Abstract
Climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of hydrological extremes, challenging the resilience of wetland ecosystems. Ciénaga Grande del Bajo Sinú (CCBS) in Colombia is a vital wetland ecosystem facing significant anthropogenic pressures that have altered its natural hydrology. A key feature of this system is the periodic, bidirectional flow within the Caño Aguas Prietas, which connects it to the Sinú River. Understanding this complex exchange is critical for sustainable management, especially under the growing threat of climate change-induced extreme weather events. This study developed and calibrated a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model (EFDC Explorer v11.3) to simulate the intricate flow dynamics between the river and the CCBS. The model was validated using field data on flow and velocity, alongside hydrometric and precipitation records. Calibration, achieved by refining horizontal viscosity and bottom roughness parameters, yielded high accuracy, with errors below 10% for peak flow replication. Simulations successfully reproduced the bidirectional flow, demonstrating its dependence on the hydraulic gradient, which is influenced by both natural runoff and upstream dam operations. Crucially, the model proved effective in simulating scenarios of prolonged drought and intense rainfall, highlighting its utility as a predictive tool. This calibrated model provides a robust groundwork for assessing the CCBS’s vulnerability to climate change, evaluating the impact of hydraulic interventions, and informing decision-making to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of this critical wetland resource.
Presenters
Franklin Torres BejaranoResearcher, Environmental Engineering Department, Universidad de Cordoba, Colombia, Córdoba, Colombia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Assessing Impacts in Diverse Ecosystems
KEYWORDS
Wetlands, Climate change, Hydrodynamic model
