Morphological processes of the Hamluong River Estuary, Mekong River, Vietnam

Abstract

     The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Asia, stretching from the snowy mountains of Tibet to the East Vietnam Sea, and its run off is the ninth largest mean run off in the world. The Mekong River flows into the East Vienam Sea through eight estuaries; the formations of these estuaries are influenced by the combination of the river's fluctuating flows, tides, waves, winds, as well as sea currents. These factors also lead to intricate evolution of river shore. The purpose of this study is to identify the erosion and deposition processes of the Hamluong Estuary in the Mekong River. The complex morphology evolutions have been affecting the livelihoods of local residents and the development of this economically important area, Southern Vietnam. In this research, MIKE 21, a numerical model, is used to simulate the morphological change of this estuary. After calibration, this model is applied to analysis the erosion/ deposition pattern of the Hamluong River Estuary. The key factors impacting the morphological evolution are identified, and the tendencies of erosion and deposition in the Hamluong River Estuary are found.