TITLE:
Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources Management in the Lower Chao Phraya Basin, Thailand
AUTHORS:
Sanit Wongsa
KEYWORDS:
Climate Change, Water Resources Management, Lower Chao Phraya River, Salinity Intrusion
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.3 No.10,
December
18,
2015
ABSTRACT: Climate change and associated
rising in sea water level have affected the salinity in many rivers around the
world. It has an effect on the embouchure adjacent with the sea, which is
called the salinity intrusion problem. This study investigated the effects of
climate change on sea water level that affects the hydraulic conditions,
salinity, water supply and agricultural areas in the lower Chao Phraya River by
MIKE 11 model has been used. The study covered the area from Chao Phraya Dam
(barrage), Chai Nat Province to the river estuary, Samut Prakan Province. The
model was divided into two parts, hydrodynamic module and advection-dispersion
model. Calibration of each part was done by adjusting its important
coefficients. It was observed that the Manning’s coefficient (n) and
coefficient dispersion of mass were in the range of 0.025 - 0.40 and 800 - 1600
m2/s, respectively. The results of comparison between models and observation
data revealed order of forecasting error (R2) with the range of 0.76-0.99 for
water level and 0.73 - 0.86 for salinity. The RCP 8.5 scenario from IPCC report
was simulated. It was found that sea water level rising in was 1.16 m in the
year of 2100, and salinity at SamlaePump Station was risen to 0.37 - 0.75 g/l.
The value of 0.25 g/l exceeding standard and the pointed tip of salinity was at
Koh Rain District, Ayutthaya Province (137 km from Chao Phraya Dam: CPD). For
agricultural sectors, the value of 0.20 g/l exceeding standard and the pointed
tip of salinity was at Ban Mai District, Ayutthaya Province (123 km from CPD).
Results obtained from this study will give the guideline in raw water resources
management for water supply and agricultural in Chao Phraya River Basin.