Sediment Dispersal Processes and Management in Coping with Climate Change in the Meghna Estuary, Bangladesh

Due to flat terrain and dense population, the Bengal Delta is highly vulnerable to sea level rise. At present the delta building process is active in the Meghna Estuary. Information on sediment dispersal processes in the estuary and their response to different exogenic and anthropogenic forces is an important requirement for managing the sediment and developing adaptive measures to counter the potential impact of climate change. Historical maps, satellite images and tidal water level data were analysed and the response of the Meghna Estuary to extreme events, e.g. the 1950 Assam earthquake, as well as anthropogenic interventions, was assessed. The issue of sediment management was addressed, based on an understanding of the response of the estuary to the extreme natural event and anthropogenic interventions, along with an assessment of the response of the estuary to sea level rise. Among other interventions, emphasis has been directed to promoting vertical accretion by injecting sediment into polders.