SWAT Literature Database for Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Title:Assessing climate change impacts on river flows in the Tonle Sap Lake Basin, Cambodia 
Authors:Oeurng, C., T.A. Cochrane, S. Chung, M.G. Kondolf, T. Piman and M.E. Arias 
Year:2019 
Journal:Water 
Volume (Issue):11 
Pages: 
Article ID:618 
DOI:10.3390/w11030618 
URL (non-DOI journals): 
Model:SWAT 
Broad Application Category:hydrologic only 
Primary Application Category:climate change assessment 
Secondary Application Category:hydrologic assessment 
Watershed Description:86,000 km^2 Tonle Sap Lake drainage area, which is composed of 11 major tributaries and which drains much of western and central Cambodia. 
Calibration Summary: 
Validation Summary: 
General Comments: 
Abstract:The Tonle Sap is the most fertile and diverse freshwater ecosystem in Southeast Asia, receiving nurturing water flows from the Mekong and its immediate basin. In addition to rapid development in the Tonle Sap basin, climate change may threaten natural flow patterns that sustain its diversity. The impacts of climate change on river flows in 11 sub-basins contributing to the Tonle Sap Lake were assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to quantify the potential magnitude of future hydrological alterations. Projected river flows from three General Circulation Models (GFDL-CM3, GISS-E2-R-CC and IPSL-CM5A-MR) for three time horizons (2030s, 2060s and 2090s) indicate a likely decrease in both the wet and dry season flows. The mean annual projected flow reductions range from 9 to 29%, 10 to 35% and 7 to 41% for the 2030s, 2060s and 2090s projections, respectively. Moreover, a decrease in extreme river flows (Q5 and Q95) was also found, which implies there could be a decline in flood magnitudes and an increase in drought occurrences throughout the basin. The results of this study provide insight for water resources planning and adaptation strategies for the river ecosystems during the dry season, when water flows are projected to decrease. 
Language:English 
Keywords:climate change, river flow, Tonle Sap, SWAT model, Lower Mekong