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Salt intrusion in multi-channel estuaries: a case study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
1Department of Management and Institutions, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, 7 Westvest, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, The Netherlands
2Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Applied Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Abstract. There is a well-tested theory for the computation of salt intrusion in alluvial estuaries that is fully analytical and predictable, in the sense that it has well-tested analytical equations to predict the mixing behaviour of the estuary based on measurable quantities, such as channel topography, river discharge and tidal characteristics. This theory has been described in a range of publications (Savenije, 1986, 1989, 1993) and a recent book (Savenije, 2005). This theory applies to single-channel topographies and estuaries that demonstrate moderate tidal damping. The Mekong delta is a multi-channel estuary where the tide is damped due to a relatively strong river discharge (in the order of 2000m
/s), even during the dry
season. As a result the Mekong is a strongly riverine estuary. This paper
aims to test if the theory can be applied to such a riverine multi-channel
estuary, and to see if possible adjustments or generalisations need to be
made. The paper presents salt intrusion measurements that were done by
moving boat in 2005, to which the salt intrusion model was calibrated. The
theory was expanded to cater for tidal damping. Subsequently the model was
validated with observations made at fixed locations over the years 1998 and
1999. Finally it was tested whether the Mekong calibration fits the overall
predictive equations derived in other estuaries. The test was successful and
led to a slight adjustment of the predictive equation to cater for estuaries
that experience a sloping bottom.Discussion Paper (PDF, 11370 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 2 Comments) Final Revised Paper (HESS)
Citation: Nguyen, A. D. and Savenije, H. H. G.: Salt intrusion in multi-channel estuaries: a case study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., 3, 499-527, 2006. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager
