Abstract :
[en] Experience in transboundary river basins emphasizes the need for more cooperative transnational water management. In this respect, the Interreg IVB project AMICE aims at developing a shared adaptation strategy of the basin of the river Meuse to the hydrological impacts of climate change. The basin covers parts of France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The project combines scientific research with innovative natural and structural water retention measures, as well as enhanced transnational crisis management.
In this framework, common climate and hydrological scenarios were derived for the time horizons 2021-2050 and 2071-2100. A “coordinated” procedure was set up to conduct the first hydraulic modelling of the entire river Meuse, from its spring to its mouth. For the considered climate scenarios, the increases in future flood levels were found about twice higher in the central part of the Meuse basin compared to the upper and lower parts. This distinctive spatial pattern results from the morphology of the valley.
The characteristics of the hydraulic models used for this “coordinated” analysis differed significantly from one region to the other (e.g., 1D vs. 2D, steady vs. unsteady). Therefore, a more refined analysis was undertaken on a 100 km long stretch of the Meuse, crossing the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, using very similar (“harmonized”) models for the whole computation (2D unsteady models). As a result, the influence of using different interconnected models could be appreciated.
The results of hydraulic modelling were used to conduct damage assessment based on a common methodology throughout the Meuse basin and combined with landuse change scenarios in the floodplains (change in vulnerability of the floodplains). In turn, several adaptation measures were tested, including upstream water retention, dredging as well as upgrade of flood defences and mobile weirs.
Hydrological and hydraulic modelling was also performed for a sub-basin of the river Meuse, partly controlled by two large reservoirs. A detailed model of the operation rules of these reservoirs was implemented. This enabled to investigate the impact of the considered climate change scenarios on the performance of these multi-purpose reservoirs as well as to investigate possible enhancements in the operation rules, which may serve as adaptation measures to compensate for the detrimental effects of climate change.
