Biophysical modelling of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna catchment

Abstract

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river system is considered to be one large trans-boundary river basin, although the three rivers of this system have distinct characteristics and flow through different geographical regions. A semi-distributed model that can account for the spatial variability across the catchment is used to determine the magnitude and variability in flows, sediments, and nutrients of the GBM rivers in response to changes in precipitation, essential inputs for delta analysis. The model captures the main dynamics of the rise to the peaks in monsoon periods from May to November and the recession curves towards the dry season. Comparison of simulated and observed nitrogen loads in the Ganga River suggest that the model is also simulating realistic nutrient fluxes.