Project Leader:
Dr. Michael Steckler
Earth Institute Contact: Dr. Michael Steckler
EI Collaborators:
Leonardo Seeber
Christopher Small
Locations: Bangladesh
Special Locations:
Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
Description:
The Ganges-Brahmaputra (GB) delta, formed by the convergence of these two great rivers is the world’s largest delta, inhabited by more than 200 million people. In addition, the GB delta is developing near the junction between the Himalayan and Burma convergence zones. The eastern half of the delta is being deformed by the Burma arc. The combination of dense population, active tectonics and powerful hydrodynamics has resulted in recurrent catastrophic losses of life and property. The hazards stem from the dynamic nature of deltaic systems in combination with the setting of the GB delta in an active tectonic zone. The project will examine the interaction of seismotectonics and fluvial sedimentation at the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. We will combine quantitative analysis of satellite imagery with mapping of structural deformation. Our strategy will be to develop a field-validated mixture model for spectral imagery and interpret it in the context of the sediment distributions. Our research would quantify spatial and temporal aspects of the interannual dynamics of the densely populated delta over the past 30 years. This will be complemented with tectonic mapping will be performed using SRTM DEM and Aster imagery.
EI Unit:
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)
Cross Cutting Themes:
Hazards and Risk
Core Disciplines:
Earth Sciences
Collaborating Institutions:
University of Dhaka, SUNY Stonybrook
Funding Agency:
NASA
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