Modelling suspended sediment distribution in the Selenga River Delta using LandSat data

Abstract

The Selenga River is the largest tributary of Baikal Lake and it's delta covers around 600 km2. Suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in the Selenga river delta were modelled based on LandSat images data. The seasonal variability in suspended sediment retention during the period 1989 to 2015 was calculated. The results suggest that sediment storage in the Selenga delta is observed during high discharges (> 1500 m3 s−1), whereas sediment export increases under lower flow conditions (< 1500 m3 s−1). The changes in seasonal SSC patterns are explained by wetland inundation during floods and channel erosion or Baikal wind surge during low flow periods.