Changes in Flow Hydro-Dynamics during Moderate, Typical and Extreme Historical Discharge Events at the Gautami Godavari River Entrance, India- A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract-Godavari is the second longest river (1465 Km) of India, draining approximately 10 % of India's total geographical area. Several studies have suggested that Godavari delta is morpho-dynamically highly active resulting in shifting of its entrance into the sea. Notably, construction of dams and reservoirs on the Godavari catchment has had profound impact on its flow conditions. It is an accepted fact that changes in flow conditions affect the morphology of the river as sediment transport and flow conditions have a non-linear relationship. In the present study we have tried to investigate the influence of varying flow conditions during extreme events on the Godavari entrance. A two dimensional modelling was conducted using Delft3D tool to investigate the local flow hydrodynamics during extreme events and its effect at the entrance of the Godavari River delta. Based on historical data the current study determined the influence of moderate (20,000 m