Assessment of variation of Mekong flow at kratie for different upstream development scenarios

Abstract

     Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) has total land area of about 3.9 million hectares, of which 2.4 million hectares are agricultural lands. The Delta is flat and low with an averaged altitude of about 1 meter. The Delta is considered the granary of the country as it contributes 40% of the national rice product and 85% of the rice export. Located on the downtream of the Mekong, the Delta water resource is affected by upstream developments, especially those increase the use of water from the Mekong. Upstream developments may result in changes in hydrological regime and the reduction of downstream flow that in turn amplifies salt intrusion in the Delta and threatens food safety and security of the whole country. This study evaluates the variation of flow at Kratie corresponding to different upstream development scenarios. The study consequently predicts future inflows that can be used for water balance calculation and appropriate water resources planning and management for the Delta.