3-D MODELING ON THE EFFECTS OF BASELEVEL CHANGE ON RIVER DELTAS

Climate change may impart changes to river deltas and surrounding areas that may have a detrimental effect on coastal cities. Three dimensional models can be used to observe and predict changes in delta structure by changing parameters thought to be affected by climate change. Using an Em-4 stream table we will investigate the effects of varying parameters on the delta. We will be recording delta measurements and images to construct 3-D models in order to better understand and visualize the changes occurring to the deltas. Being able to control baselevel, sediment grain size, discharge, and other variables will allow us to conduct experiments addressing several different scenarios. We expect to find a significant change in delta progradation, number of lobes, and water cover over the delta with changes in baselevel. This research will have implications for understanding how the rise in baselevel may affect surrounding land and population areas due to flooding, possible changes in delta and stream patterns, and potential delta migration.