An Integrated Model for the Danubian Lowland - Methodology and Applications

A unique integrated modelling system has been developed and applied for environmental assessment studies in connection with the Gabcikovo hydropower scheme along the Danube. The modelling system integrates model codes for describing the reservoir (2D flow, eutrophication, sediment transport), the river and river branches (1D flow including effects of hydraulic control structures, water quality, sediment transport), the ground water (3D flow, solute transport, geochemistry), agricultural aspects (crop yield, irrigation, nitrogen leaching) and flood plain conditions (dynamics of inundation pattern, ground water and soil moisture conditions, and water quality).

The uniqueness of the established modelling system is the integration between the individual model codes, each of which provides complex descriptions of the various processes. The validation tests have generally been carried out for the individual models, whereas only a few tests on the integrated model were possible.

Based on discussion and examples, it is concluded that the results from the integrated model can be assumed less uncertain than outputs from the individual model components. In an example, the impacts of the Gabcikovo scheme on the ecologically unique wetlands created by the river branch system downstream of the new reservoir have been simulated.

In this case, the impacts of alternative water management scenarios on ecologically important factors such as flood frequency and duration, depth of flooding, depth to ground water table, capillary rise, flow velocities, sedimentation and water quality in the river system have been explicitly calculated.