Article
Environmental Sciences
Constantinos Matsoukis, Laurent O. O. Amoudry, Lucy Bricheno, Nicoletta Leonardi
Summary: Excessive salinity can harm ecosystems and affect anthropogenic activities in river deltas. Research shows that adjusting the timing and flow distribution of river discharge can improve freshwater conditions in deltas. These findings are important for coastal scientists and stakeholders managing freshwater resources in river deltas worldwide.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rafael Jan Pablo Schmitt, Philip Simon Johannes Minderhoud
Summary: 450 million people live on sinking lands and rising seas on river deltas. However, the ability to address and quantify those risks in an integrated manner remains limited. Lack of data, models, and knowledge hinders sustainable delta management. Global scientific efforts are instrumental in addressing these challenges and designing resilient river deltas.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
H. E. Glover, A. S. Ogston, A. T. Fricke, C. A. Nittrouer, C. Aung, T. Naing, E. J. Lahr
Summary: Effective coastal management requires a fundamental understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on sediment dynamics. In this study, the relative resilience to subsidence was compared between an agricultural field and a nearby mangrove-forest preserve in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar. The results showed that both sites had net sediment import due to vegetation trapping, and the relative elevations were equivalent, suggesting similar aggradation rates. Unleveed fields may be less vulnerable to subsidence than leveed fields, but the decision to replace mangroves with agricultural fields should consider all the benefits provided by each environment.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jaap H. Nienhuis, Wonsuck Kim, Glenn A. Milne, Melinda Quock, Aimee B. A. Slangen, Torbjorn E. Tornqvist
Summary: Future sea-level rise is a serious threat to river deltas, but understanding the exact impact is challenging. Current knowledge is based on models, experiments, and geologic records, with improvements in detecting and modeling past and future sea-level changes. However, uncertainties remain, especially regarding subsidence rates and validating models.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hongfei Wu, Xincun Zhuang, Wen Zhang, Zhen Zhao
Summary: The study investigates the anisotropy in plastic yield and flow and anisotropic ductile fracture induced by the continuous hot rolling process. Anisotropic GTN models are proposed based on the Yld91 anisotropic yield stress, and different flow rules are employed. The models are implemented in finite element software and used to predict fracture initiation in Al2024-T351. The accuracy of the proposed anisotropic GTN models is evaluated through load responses and displacements, showing good agreement with experimental results and verifying their predictive ability. Suggestions for an advanced anisotropic GTN model are also provided.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Edward J. Anthony, Manon Besset, Florin Zainescu, Francois Sabatier
Summary: Determining changes in land and water areas over river deltas based on land-water ratios can help identify subsidence and shoreline erosion, and provide a foundation for studying land-cover and vegetation variations. The spatial pattern of most Mediterranean and Black Sea river deltas is largely characterized by increasing water areas, reflecting a mix of shoreline erosion, land-use changes, and subsidence. Future research should focus on detailed studies of each delta to unravel changes related to land-use, vegetation, and subsidence, as well as the interpretation of wetlands in these ratios.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Constantinos Matsoukis, Laurent O. Amoudry, Lucy Bricheno, Nicoletta Leonardi
Summary: This study investigates the impact of various tidal amplitudes on the spatiotemporal salinity distribution in deltas through three-dimensional idealized modeling. Results suggest that small increases in tidal amplitude can have positive effects against salinization, while further increases can reduce freshwater areas and volumes. The study also finds that the correlation between salinity and channel orders and river discharge is controlled more by bathymetry than tidal forcing.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gaocong Li, Qiong Xia, Yaping Wang, Zhiqiang Li, Shu Gao
Summary: The topographic/bathymetric conditions of the continental shelf play a significant role in influencing the long-term growth of river deltas, with the original seabed morphology being a critical factor affecting delta evolution. The study shows that with a constant sediment load, delta growth rate decreases over time, and higher original seabed slope leads to lower shoreline progradation rate for subaerial deltas and higher growth rate for subaqueous deltas. This research highlights the importance of considering the interrelationships between sediment load, deltaic plain area, and original seabed slopes in understanding the evolution of large-river deltas.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew J. Moodie, Jeffrey A. Nittrouer
Summary: The socioeconomic viability of fluvial-deltaic systems is constrained by the natural processes of these landforms, particularly avulsion. Artificial diversions can help mitigate land loss, but finding the optimal balance between cost and benefit is crucial. Urbanization in delta areas can create a positive feedback loop, enhancing infrastructure development and landscape preservation through diversions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa Jarriel, John Swartz, Paola Passalacqua
Summary: River deltas are dynamic systems with channels that can change over time. By analyzing global patterns of channel migration, it was found that the migration is largely influenced by fluvial forcing, sediment flux magnitude, and frequency of flood events. Understanding modern rates and patterns of channel migration in river deltas is crucial for predicting future changes and informing decision makers striving for deltaic resilience.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sungyeol Lee, Jaemo Kang, Jinyoung Kim
Summary: This study collected attribute information and historical ground subsidence information of six types of underground utility lines, and developed a ground subsidence risk prediction model based on machine learning to predict and prepare for ground subsidence accidents caused by damage to underground utilities in urban areas. The density was identified as the most important influencing factor in the model, and a risk map of ground subsidence in the target area was created, showing the predicted risk levels in the concentrated subsidence areas.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Samuel M. Zapp, Kelly M. Sanks, Jose Silvestre, John B. Shaw, Ripul Dutt, Kyle M. Straub
Summary: This study presents the first investigation of subsidence in laboratory-scale river delta experiments, revealing significant differences in subsidence rates between the control experiment and the treatment experiment. The treatment experiment exhibits higher and more variable subsidence rates, consistent with field and modeling measurements. This suggests that short-term subsidence rates may exceed the threshold for marsh platform drowning.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lewis P. Bailey, Michael A. Clare, Ed L. Pope, Ivan D. Haigh, Matthieu J. B. Cartigny, Peter J. Talling, D. Gwyn Lintern, Sophie Hage, Maarten Heijnen
Summary: Quantification of the controls on turbidity current recurrence is necessary for better understanding sediment, carbon, and pollutant fluxes and for designing infrastructure that is resilient to such flows. This study analyzes the timing and causes of 113 directly-monitored turbidity currents in a submarine channel located offshore from glacial-fed river deltas. A statistical model is developed to predict turbidity current probability based on river discharge and water level, which shows high success rates in predicting turbidity current activity in other river deltas.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. van Engelen, G. H. P. Oude Essink, M. F. P. Bierkens
Summary: Population growth, urbanization, and intensification of irrigated agriculture in deltas around the world have increased the demand for fresh water, leading to extensive groundwater extraction. This extraction has resulted in saltwater intrusion and the depletion of fresh groundwater resources, posing a threat to freshwater and food security.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fabian Bellmunt, Anna Gabas, Albert Macau, Beatriz Benjumea, Miquel Vila, Sara Figueras
Summary: This study utilized surface electrical resistivity tomography in combination with limited borehole logging and geological information to effectively characterize sedimentary architecture in the Ebro delta plain, overcoming the challenge of salinity impact on resistivity. The results have been crucial in reducing uncertainties in ERT interpretation, constructing a 3D geological model for the Ebro delta, assessing delta plain subsidence, and inferring water quality distribution. The feasibility and capability of electrical resistivity tomography in sediments characterization in extreme environments such as coastal areas and deltas have been highlighted.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GEOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Minsik Kim, Wonsuck Kim, Wook-Hyun Nahm
Summary: The loss of land in coastal regions is a significant issue, and utilizing river diversion to mitigate this loss has been studied. It has been found that taking into account the deposition of mud in the bottomset of deltas can provide more accurate predictions.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Kyle Wright, Paola Passalacqua, Marc Simard, Cathleen E. Jones
Summary: Hydrodynamic models are essential but limited in practical application in coastal environments. This study presents a method using remote sensing data to improve the models and reduce computational demand by embedding landscape connectivity information. The results show that this method decreases computational demand without sacrificing accuracy.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ryan Sincavage, Man Liang, Jennifer Pickering, Steven Goodbred, Paola Passalacqua
Summary: Favorable topographic gradients and channel bed aggradation are often cited as primers for river channel avulsion. However, a localized backwater effect from a seasonal lake that forms in Sylhet Basin, known as a hydraulic barrier, is not a plausible mechanism for channel steering unless water depths are increased beyond the physical dimensions of the basin. The introduction of a scoured antecedent channel along the western margin induces a strong preference for bypass of the central basin.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhongyuan Xu, Jayaram Hariharan, Paola Passalacqua, Elisabeth Steel, Austin Chadwick, Chris Paola, Anner Paldor, Holly A. Michael
Summary: This study investigates the vulnerability of coastal deltaic aquifers to seawater intrusion, contamination, and groundwater abstraction, as well as the impact of surface deposition changes on the distribution and transport of groundwater solutes. By simulating groundwater flow and solute transport under different contamination scenarios, the research reveals that the vulnerability of deltaic aquifers to seawater intrusion is correlated with sand fraction, and vertical transport of contaminants is influenced by channel stacking patterns.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Geology
Chenliang Wu, Minsik Kim, Wonsuck Kim
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Carmine Donatelli, Paola Passalacqua, Kyle Wright, Gerard Salter, Michael P. Lamb, Daniel Jensen, Sergio Fagherazzi
Summary: Deltas are threatened by sea-level rise, sediment starvation, and subsidence. Remote sensing can be used to estimate flow velocities in deltas by leveraging the synoptic information offered by the technology. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variability in flow velocity, which is crucial for forecasting the fate of these fragile ecosystems.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhongyuan Xu, Mahfuzur R. Khan, Kazi Matin Ahmed, Anwar Zahid, Jayaram Hariharan, Paola Passalacqua, Elisabeth Steel, Austin Chadwick, Chris Paola, Steven L. L. Goodbred Jr, Anner Paldor, Holly A. Michael
Summary: Groundwater is the primary water source in the Bengal Delta, but it is under threat from contamination. By using surface information to model subsurface features, the predictions of groundwater flow can be improved. The land surface features in active deltas play a significant role in evaluating groundwater vulnerability to contamination.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chenliang Wu, Wonsuck Kim, Ryan Herring, Benjamin T. T. Cardenas, Tian Y. Y. Dong, Hongbo Ma, Andrew Moodie, Jeffrey A. A. Nittrouer, Frank Tsai, An Li
Summary: This study examines the variation of sinuosity in lowland rivers on Earth and ancient river systems on Mars through satellite imagery and finds a dichotomy in spatial patterns near river outlets. Numerical modeling shows that these bimodal patterns can be explained by the competition between the timescale required for channels to establish steady-state sinuosity and the avulsion timescale. This research highlights the role of water discharge in meander development and provides implications for interpreting hydrological regimes of river systems.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Carmine Donatelli, Paola Passalacqua, Daniel Jensen, Talib Oliver-Cabrera, Cathleen E. Jones, Sergio Fagherazzi
Summary: Water movement in coastal wetlands is influenced by topography, vegetation characteristics, and hydrological processes. This study utilizes remote sensing data to analyze water-level changes and vegetation contributions in marshes, revealing the importance of small geomorphic features and the minor role of vegetation in water retention.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Matthew Preisser, Paola Passalacqua, R. Patrick Bixler, Stephen Boyles
Summary: Government and non-governmental agencies are making efforts to quantify the disproportionate effects of climate risk on vulnerable populations and create more resilient communities. This study addresses the limitation of using sociodemographic based indices to measure vulnerability and proposes a model based on open-source data to assess individuals' access to critical resources during and after a flood event. The results show that the most vulnerable households are the least resilient and experience the largest shifts in metric values, while the least vulnerable quarter of the population carries the smallest burdens. The model developed can assist emergency planning stakeholders in identifying households that require specific resources in real-time.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chenliang Wu, Wonsuck Kim
Summary: Two distinct sinuosity patterns were observed in lowland rivers on Earth and Mars: either a substantial increase or constant sinuosity towards the coast. These bimodal patterns reflect the age and lateral migration rates of the channels, which are influenced by sediment supply and discharge variability.
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jaap H. Nienhuis, Wonsuck Kim, Glenn A. Milne, Melinda Quock, Aimee B. A. Slangen, Torbjorn E. Tornqvist
Summary: Future sea-level rise is a serious threat to river deltas, but understanding the exact impact is challenging. Current knowledge is based on models, experiments, and geologic records, with improvements in detecting and modeling past and future sea-level changes. However, uncertainties remain, especially regarding subsidence rates and validating models.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Patrick Bixler, Marc Coudert, Steven M. Richter, Jessica M. Jones, Carmen Llanes Pulido, Nika Akhavan, Matt Bartos, Paola Passalacqua, Dev Niyogi
Summary: The growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have disproportionately impacted underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities in urban areas. Knowledge co-production is an approach that seeks to address this issue by involving these communities in sustainability and resilience research. This paper presents a reflexive co-production framework and assesses three initiatives in Austin, Texas, USA, to enhance urban resilience. The authors establish criteria to evaluate co-production and conclude with recommendations for advancing reflexive co-production.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE CITIES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Matthew Preisser, Paola Passalacqua, R. Patrick Bixler, Julian Hofmann
Summary: The increased interest in merging compound flood hazards and social vulnerability has led to advancements in flood impact mapping. However, the current methods to estimate event-specific compound flooding at the household level require high-performance computing resources that are often not available to local stakeholders. In this study, a methodology is developed to generate a flood impact index at the household level in near-real time, using high-resolution elevation data and a social vulnerability index. The methodology is tested using the 2015 Memorial Day flood in Austin, Texas, and is shown to accurately classify household impacts for a majority of households.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Jeongyeon Han, Wonsuck Kim
Summary: This study presents a model for levee-building using advection settling of suspended sediment to replicate the evolution of a fluvial levee over floods. The results show that the input grain size to the floodplain and levee profile slope are positively correlated with the avulsion frequency, whereas the overflow velocity is inversely proportional to the avulsion frequency.
EARTH SURFACE DYNAMICS
(2022)
