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Abstract:
The proposed research project investigates the consequences of climate change on the coastal zone with emphasis on river deltas, one of the most vulnerable coastal and wealth-producing ecosystems. The R. Pinios delta (Thessaly-Greece) has been selected as a case study, as one of the largest Greek rivers with limited flow controls, whilst its deltaic plain is part of the NATURA network. Despite its designation, human intervention continues to occur at an increasing rate.
The main objectives of the project are to:
- Study the contribution of fluvial fluxes (water/sediment), nearshore hydrodynamics and climate conditions in the formation and evolution of deltas.
- Evaluate the impact of human activities in the evolution of the R. Pinios delta (e.g., alteration of riverine fluxes, agricultural pollution, aquifer over-pumping).
- Assess/quantitative evaluate the changes in the deltaic environment for different climate change scenarios, emphasizing in water balance, water quality, desertification, coastal erosion, inundation.
- Investigate the interaction between natural processes and socio-economic development parameters and use this to develop an Integrated Management Tool that contributes to sustainable development of deltaic environments, accounting for projected climate change scenarios.
- Develop Sustainable Development Strategies for the natural deltaic system, in order to mitigate the consequences of the climate change towards a better management of the wealth-producing resources (i.e. fresh water yield).
- Contribute to the training and development of new scientists (MSc, PhD, post docs) in environmental issues, related to the impact of the climate change on coastal environments.
- Disseminate science based management strategies to the local and scientific communities.
The aims of the proposed project will be achieved through an inter-disciplinary - systemic approach that incorporates synergy of different specialties of geosciences and use of innovative methodologies.
