Type
PhD Research
Duration
September 2023 – September 2027
Persons involved
N.M. Welsch (PhD candidate)
Dr. ir. J.J. Warmink (daily supervisor)
Dr. ir. D.C.M. Augustijn (promotor)
Prof. dr. S.J.M.H. Hulscher (co-promotor)
Funding of the project
Part of the Rijkswaterstaat-funded project Kennisimpuls Klimaatadaptatie: RWS225
Summary of the research
The Dutch river delta is a large network of rivers, lakes, estuaries and canals. In the past, this network has been created, adapted and tailored in such a way that it facilitates a multitude of functions, such as flood safety, navigation and fresh water supply. However, ongoing (and accelerating) climate change increases the stresses on this complex and heavily regulated main water system. It remains unclear under what conditions the current river system will not be able to fulfil the current demands and system deficiencies start to occur. This is important to understand, in order to timely implement mitigation measures. Currently, lot of research is carried out on parts of the system. Addressing the system integrally might address impacts due to feedback mechanisms which are currently overseen and provide a larger solution space.
This research aims to provide insights into the effect of climate change on extreme water-levels and discharges within the Dutch river delta, when the water system is considered as an integral system. The research will focus on a sensitivity analysis of the Dutch river delta throughout scenario discovery using a one-dimensional numerical model.
The results of the sensitivity analysis will be used to provide action perspective for Rijkswaterstaat on how to mitigate future risks and challenges. An exploratory study into the hydraulic effects of possible mitigation measures is foreseen towards the end of the study.
Keywords
climate change, system deficiencies, scenario discovery, interconnectivity, deltasystem
More information
Niels Welsch
HR W-208
n.m.welsch@utwente.nl