CAREER: Sediment Dynamics on the Bengal Shelf and Fate of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Floodpulse

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

0347261 Goodbred Abstract The study will focus on the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh. Previous work by the PI investigated sediment dispersal across the subaerial delta plain and found the 1/3 of the sediment load was sequestered there and that the inner shelf represents an important gateway of >700 Mt of sediment annually. The PI will investigate sediment dynamics of the inner shelf, including seasonal dispersal of large sediment load, and transport pathways that link the river mouth with shoreline, shelf and canyon depocenters. Four cruises are planned, with CHIRP and side-scan acoustic surveys, coring and lab analysis of the collected data and Be/Th and Pb/Cs dating. The proposed study will provide important insights on the longer term sequence development along this high-yield and high-energy margin. The educational component includes strong collaboration with Bangladeshi scientists, establishing a scholastic program between SUNY and Dhaka University, co-mentoring of students, web-based short courses and recruitment of Bangladeshi students to SUNY.