Modelling the reponse of the St. Lawrence tributaries to environmental changes: integrated study and development tools

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It has been shown in an initial study that hydrological changes and base level drop anticipated for St-Lawrence tributaries in the climate change context will have important impact on their longitudinal profile and on sediment supply to the St-Lawrence. The specific goal of the present study is to extend the 1D modelling approach used in the initial study to include a wider view of the potential effects of environmental changes on the tributaries dynamics. The project will focus on 1) the simulations of the spatial and temporal patterns of river adjustment and the forecasting of sediment transport volume that will be supplied to the St-Lawrence, 2) a better understanding of the winter/spring period, which is most likely be affected by the global climate changes, in particular of the ice cover formation and breakup processes and of their effects on sediment transport anddelivery 3) an assessment of the impacts of hydrological, morphological and sedimentological changes on riparian habitats, mainly at the river mouth. This research will combine a modeling approach and field surveys on two St-Lawrence tributaries. The project will provide new data and will require the development and improvement of modelling tools that will be compatible with the existing 2 D hydrodynamic models used for the St-Lawrence River.The project is closely connected with the partner's interests and needs in term of comprehension of sediment transport and bank erosion processes, ice cover formation and response of riparian vegetation to environmental changes.