Better understanding floodplain deposition with modelling: implications for management responses

Over the last few years Misko Ivezich an environmental engineer has undertaken a series of projects for the QWMN looking at various aspects of channel- floodplains connections through a water modelling lens. 

In this online conversation, we will a have a chance to hear from Misko on a review he undertook regarding how well current catchment models can estimate what amount of sediment is being transferred and deposited in floodplains.  High resolution hydrodynamic modelling of a range of specific case studies has helped to better clarify the dynamics that are occurring.  In doing this work he has seen opportunities to better refine the relationship between the deposition on floodplains and the type of river system adjacent to the floodplain.  

A few themes we can explore in this conversation include:

• implications of catchment wide modelling processes that influence management prioritisation. In the Great Barrier Reef catchments the Paddock to Reef Modelling and Monitoring program is forecasting various loads of sediment across various sub catchments and where they are being generated and/or deposited.  These budgets can influence the planning of various remediation and/ or management actions.  So can the budget prioritisation process be improved through this floodplain modelling refinements?
  
• the function and role of floodplains to be a natural repository for transported sediment is being highlighted more and more of late.  As a simple way to utilize a "Nature Based solution" does this mean the role of floodplains be looked at differently?? And if they were, which floodplains are a more effective repository than others??

No shortage of questions here - and I am sure there are others that you might like to pose as well for Misko.