Opportunities from low-resolution modelling of river morphology in remote parts of the world
Abstract. The study of rivers morphodynamics requires modelling of a variety of processes ranging from the typical small scale of fluid mechanics (e.g. flow turbulence dissipation) to the large scale of landscape evolution (e.g. fan deposition). However, simplifications inherent in the long-term modelling of large rivers derive from limited computational resource and the high level of processes detail (i.e. spatial and temporal resolution). These modelling results depend on processes parameterization and calibration over detailed field data (e.g. initial morphology). Thus, in these cases, simplified tools are attractive. Here, a simplified 1-D code is used for the modelling of very large rivers. A synthetic description of the variation of cross-sections shape is implemented on the basis of satellite images, typically available also in remote parts of the world. The model's flexibility is highlighted here, by presenting two applications. In the first case the model is used for analysing the long-term evolution of the Lower Zambezi (Africa) related to the construction of two reservoirs for hydropower exploitation; while, in the second case, the same code is applied for studying the evolution of the Middle and Lower Parana (Argentina) in light of climate variability. In both cases, having only basic data for boundary and initial conditions, the 1-D model provides results that are in agreement with past studies and that may be used to assist sediment management at watershed scale or at boundaries of more detailed modelling.