Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

This study is the first to assess land subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Land subsidence simulations were based on a fully calibrated groundwater (GW) flow model developed using a coupled surface–subsurface modelling system. Subsidence is predicted to occur as a result of deep aquifer compa...

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Main Authors: Shrestha, P.K., Shakya, N.M., Pandey, Vishnu Prasad, Birkinshaw, S.J., Shrestha, S.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Informa UK Limited 2017
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98540
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author Shrestha, P.K.
Shakya, N.M.
Pandey, Vishnu Prasad
Birkinshaw, S.J.
Shrestha, S.
author_browse Birkinshaw, S.J.
Pandey, Vishnu Prasad
Shakya, N.M.
Shrestha, P.K.
Shrestha, S.
author_facet Shrestha, P.K.
Shakya, N.M.
Pandey, Vishnu Prasad
Birkinshaw, S.J.
Shrestha, S.
author_sort Shrestha, P.K.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description This study is the first to assess land subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Land subsidence simulations were based on a fully calibrated groundwater (GW) flow model developed using a coupled surface–subsurface modelling system. Subsidence is predicted to occur as a result of deep aquifer compaction due to excessive GW abstraction. The north and north-east areas at the periphery of the GW basin are hotspots for this subsidence. The estimated subsidence is most sensitive to changes in land cover within the recharge areas. The model shows the Melamchi water supply project assists in the control of subsidence to some extent. In the absence of land subsidence measurements, this paper highlights the location and the potential levels of the subsidence hazard which will be useful for hazard prevention management. Additionally, this work provides a basis to design field investigations, monitoring networks for land subsidence and upgrading the present GW monitoring network. Although the study has presented a preliminary analysis, a more comprehensive model inclusive of clay subsidence is required to address the subsidence vulnerability of the central densely populated core of the valley, which reflects the need for a comprehensive database of the hydrogeology in the valley.
format Journal Article
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publishDate 2017
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spelling CGSpace985402025-03-11T09:50:20Z Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Shrestha, P.K. Shakya, N.M. Pandey, Vishnu Prasad Birkinshaw, S.J. Shrestha, S. land cover subsidence estimation groundwater aquifers water supply development projects hydrology models calibration meteorology forecasting flow rate recharge valleys population growth urban areas This study is the first to assess land subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Land subsidence simulations were based on a fully calibrated groundwater (GW) flow model developed using a coupled surface–subsurface modelling system. Subsidence is predicted to occur as a result of deep aquifer compaction due to excessive GW abstraction. The north and north-east areas at the periphery of the GW basin are hotspots for this subsidence. The estimated subsidence is most sensitive to changes in land cover within the recharge areas. The model shows the Melamchi water supply project assists in the control of subsidence to some extent. In the absence of land subsidence measurements, this paper highlights the location and the potential levels of the subsidence hazard which will be useful for hazard prevention management. Additionally, this work provides a basis to design field investigations, monitoring networks for land subsidence and upgrading the present GW monitoring network. Although the study has presented a preliminary analysis, a more comprehensive model inclusive of clay subsidence is required to address the subsidence vulnerability of the central densely populated core of the valley, which reflects the need for a comprehensive database of the hydrogeology in the valley. 2017-12-15 2018-12-12T04:31:37Z 2018-12-12T04:31:37Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98540 en Open Access Informa UK Limited Shrestha, P. K., Shakya, N. M., Pandey, V. P., Birkinshaw, S. J., & Shrestha, S. (2017). Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. In Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk (Vol. 8, Issue 2, pp. 974–996). Informa UK Limited. https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2017.1289985
spellingShingle land cover
subsidence
estimation
groundwater
aquifers
water supply
development projects
hydrology
models
calibration
meteorology
forecasting
flow rate
recharge
valleys
population growth
urban areas
Shrestha, P.K.
Shakya, N.M.
Pandey, Vishnu Prasad
Birkinshaw, S.J.
Shrestha, S.
Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title_full Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title_fullStr Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title_full_unstemmed Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title_short Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
title_sort model based estimation of land subsidence in kathmandu valley nepal
topic land cover
subsidence
estimation
groundwater
aquifers
water supply
development projects
hydrology
models
calibration
meteorology
forecasting
flow rate
recharge
valleys
population growth
urban areas
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/98540
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AT birkinshawsj modelbasedestimationoflandsubsidenceinkathmanduvalleynepal
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