Morphodynamic similarities between rivers in the Terai Arc Landscape

Abstract (2023)

Authors

K. Gautam Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering - CEG
M.E. Roebroeck Support Hydraulic Engineering - CEG
T.A. Bogaard Water Resources - CEG
A. Blom Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering - CEG
Research Group
Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 K. Gautam, M.E. Roebroeck, T.A. Bogaard, A. Blom
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Hydraulic Engineering

Research Group

Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering

Abstract

Rivers flowing from the highlands to the lowlands, characterize the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) in Nepal and India, but also the neighbouring region in Bhutan. The sudden change in slope results in deposition of nutrient-rich sediment, which forms large alluvial or fluvial fans that enhance biodiversity and economic activities in the region. Our objective is to identify similarities and differences in hydro-morphodynamics between the TAL rivers, with a focus on the Karnali and Koshi systems in Nepal. It is expected that such insight in river dynamics will aid the sustainability and management of the TAL rivers. To this end, we investigate and compare discharge characteristics, historical flow paths, and morphodynamic characteristics such as channel shifting, braiding, and flow partitioning to identify and understand the fan scale dynamics of the two systems. Hereto we used optical remote sensing images and river discharge time series from Chisapani (Karnali) and Chatara (Koshi) gauging stations. In addition, we conducted a field campaign in November 2022.