The Madeira River, the largest tributary in water discharge and sediment transport of the Amazon basin, will be dammed by the end of 2012. This project will collect hydrogeomorphologic and hydraulic information before human intervention. The main objectives are to a) analyze the fluvial morphodynamics to understand the mechanism controlling the development of anabranching patterns in this megariver (this information will serve as baseline for examination of anthropogenic effects); b) identify the geoenvironmental mosaic of the floodplain and the morphosedimentary processes controlling its evolution and architectural style, and c) provide predictive mathematical tools and generate new concepts for management of anabranching rivers. The field work in Brazil, using research vessel-based surveys from Porto Velho to Humaita, will span the Madeira's flow before regulation, with surveys during low and high water stages.

This project provides a unique and last opportunity to study the dynamics and morphology of the largest tributary of the Amazon River before it is dammed. The researchers will collaborate with Brazilian colleagues on two expeditions in 2012--at low water and high water. In addition to providing rare insights into the workings of so-called "Mega-rivers", the results and data base obtained from these expeditions will be fundamental for assessing and modeling the short and medium-term impacts of the dam on the Amazon and the Amazon plume as a result of the alteration of sediment and water fluxes. The project will support the interdisciplinary education and training of graduate and undergraduate students, and its results are expected to inform Brazilian and international institutions involved in environmental management in the Amazon basin.

Project Report

The Madeira River (Brazil) is the largest tributary in water discharge and sediment transport of the Amazon basin, was dammed by the end of 2012. This project collected hydrogeomorphologic and hydraulic information before human intervention. The main objectives were to a) analyze the fluvial morphodynamics to understand the mechanism controlling the development of anabranching patterns in this megariver (this information will serve as baseline for examination of anthropogenic effects); b) identify the geoenvironmental mosaic of the floodplain and the morphosedimentary processes controlling its evolution and architectural style, and c) provide predictive mathematical tools and generate new concepts for management of anabranching rivers. The fieldwork in Brazil, using research vessel-based surveyed from Porto Velho to Humaita, was performed before the regulation in the Madeira river, with surveys during low and high water stages. Field measurements included bathymetry at different cross sections using a single beam echo sounder, velocity measurements using Acoustic instruments, and collecting bed and suspended sediments. Additionally, a characterization of the local geology was performed. PI Abad and colleagues are planning to maintain the field monitoring campaigns, and use mathematical models to predict the morphodynamic changes (altimetry and planform) of the Madeira River.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
1147722
Program Officer
Paul Cutler
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2012-04-15
Budget End
2014-03-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$29,868
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15260