The role of computational models in wetland management – a case study from Bangladesh

Surface water flow models are specifically orientated to provide water level and discharge time series at nodes within the modelled river system. This information is used extensively to assist in the engineering design of flood control measures. These models may also be used to assess the impacts away from the main river courses on the floodplains. A suite of post-processing programs were developed to provide additional data and information relating to floodplains. In particular these were to assess the impact flood control measures would have on:- the timing, duration and depth of floodplain inundation- the change this would introduce on areas suitable for fish.This paper describes the methodology of the approach taken and illustrates the application of the techniques by examples from the North West and South East Regional Studies in Bangladesh. The techniques developed are a useful tool to provide additional primary and secondary data for experts in disciplines such as wetland management, agriculture, fisheries, environmental impact assessment, sociology and economics. The analysis is also of considerable benefit to modellers since it serves as an additional verification of the model's ability to predict flooding regimes in areas away from the river system, that is, on the active floodplains.

• INTRODUCTION

• METHODOLOGY

• POST-PROCESSING ANALYSIS

• CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

• CASE STUDIES FROM BANGLADESH

• CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS