Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of the Ganges Brahmaputra Delta: Field-Validated, Multi-Sensor Analysis of Interannual Flooding and Channel Movement

Lead PI: Dr. Christopher Small , Mr. Leonardo Seeber , Dr. Michael S. Steckler

Unit Affiliation: Marine and Polar Geophysics, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)

July 2012 - June 2018
Inactive
Asia ; India ; Bangladesh
Project Type: Research

DESCRIPTION: The research will Quantify spatiotemporal dynamics of the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Padma rivers using spaceborne remote sensing in conjunction with field observations and laboratory measurements. Specifically the team will quantify: 1) the spatiotemporal variations in channel geometry; 2) Surficial sand, silt, and vegetation distributions; and 3) intra-annual moisture variation and aeolian resurfacing.

OUTCOMES: The team has: conducted spatiotemporal analysis of interannual channel movement on the three rivers using MODIS vegetation indices for 2000-2012; processed Landsat imagery for the three rivers from 1989-2012; conducted a year of field work collecting sediment samples from the rivers; and presented a poster at the 2012 fall AGU meeting.

SPONSOR:

National Aeronautics & Space Administration

FUNDED AMOUNT:

$686,350

EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS:

Dhaka University, Bangladesh Water Development Board, University of Minnesota

KEYWORDS

spatiotemporal river dynamics water hazards floods variability channel geometry aeolian resurfacing rivers