CRC Press Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport in the Mekong Delta (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)

This research aims to investigate the prevailing sediment dynamics and the sediment budget in the Mekong Delta by using a process-based model. Understanding sediment dynamics for the Mekong Delta requires high resolution analysis and detailed data, which is a challenge for managers and scientists. This study introduces such an approach and focuses on modeling the entire system with a process-based approach with Delft3D-4 and Delft3D Flexible Mesh (DFM). The first model is used to explore sediment dynamics at the coastal zone. The latter model allows straightforward coupling of 1D and 2D grids, making it suitable for analyzing the complex river and canal network of the Mekong Delta. The validated model suggests that the Mekong Delta receives ~99 Mt/year sediment from the Mekong River. This is much lower than the common estimate of 160 Mt/year. Only about 23% of the modelled total sediment load at Kratie is exported to the sea. The remaining portion is trapped in the rivers and floodplains of the Mekong Delta. The results advance understanding of sediment dynamics and sediment budget in the Mekong Delta. As such the model is an efficient tool to support delta management and planning. About the Author Vo Quoc Thanh was born on July 12th 1986 in Bac Lieu, Vietnam. He completed his BSc degree in Environmental Engineering from Can Tho University, Vietnam in 2008. He obtained his MSc degree in Environmental Management at Can Tho University, Vietnam in 2012. After graduating Vo Quoc Thanh worked as a researcher in the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Can Tho University until 2013. He was involved in several projects on flood hazard mapping and water infrastructure. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a lecturer in Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Can Tho University. During this period, he also acted as project assistant of the "Climate change and affecting land use in the Mekong Delta: Adaptation of rice-based cropping systems" a project funded by ACIAR. From 2015 onwards he is a lecturer in the Department of Water Resources, Can Tho University. From 2015 to 2019, he has been involved in the project of "Modeling a sparsely-sampled, complex delta system: Mekong Delta case study", funded by the Office of Naval Research and this work was financed by this fund.