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

初步研究表明，在气候变化背景下，预计圣劳伦斯支流的水文变化和基准面下降将对其纵向剖面和对圣劳伦斯支流的泥沙供应产生重要影响。本研究的具体目标是扩展最初研究中使用的一维模拟方法，以包括更广泛的关于环境变化对支流动态的潜在影响的观点。该项目的重点将是：1)模拟河流调整的时空模式和预测将提供给圣劳伦斯的泥沙输运量；2)更好地了解冬春季，这很可能受到全球气候变化的影响，特别是冰盖的形成和解体过程及其对泥沙输移和输移的影响；3)评估水文、地貌和沉积变化对河口沿岸生境的影响。这项研究将结合建模方法和对两条圣劳伦斯支流的实地调查。该项目将提供新的数据，并将需要开发和改进与圣劳伦斯河现有的二维水动力模型相兼容的建模工具。该项目在理解泥沙输送和河岸侵蚀过程、冰盖形成和河岸植被对环境变化的反应方面与合作伙伴的兴趣和需求密切相关。

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.