Coupling of SWAT and DSAS Models for Assessment of Retrospective and Prospective Transformations of River Deltaic Estuaries

Abstract

River deltaic estuaries are dynamic ecosystems characterised by linkages between tidal currents, river water discharge, and sediment from the basin. The present study is based on the application of remote data: multispectral satellite images, DEM, LULC (Land use and land cover), lithology, and hydroclimatic factors. The standardised methodology was based on the adoption of a coupled modelling approach for this work, involving the semi-distributed catchment scale hydrological Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and the statistical Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) for (1) identifying environmental drivers of sediment transport changes of the estuarine reach; (2) analysis of retrospective changes in shoreline configuration; (3) assessing discharge and sediment dynamics of the estuarine section, and (4) generating future projection scenarios for the estuary’s state to take action for its long-term ecological stability. Our study employs a coupled modelling framework to fill the research gap for Subarnarekha deltaic estuary. Integrating outputs derived from DSAS and SWAT, a comprehensive understanding of the changes in watershed hydrology, water diversions, and damming of rivers have altered the magnitude and temporal patterns of freshwater flow and sediment, which potentially contributed to the receding of the Digha Coast shoreline.