Morphological changes analysis using 3D bathymetric surveys in Chilia Branch - Bystroe Channel bifurcation area

Abstract The Bystroe Channel project with transboundary environmental impact in the Danube Delta, area of great ecological significance that has already a strong anthropic footprint, requires close monitoring water quality parameters order to determine their tendencies and on ecosystem components. Riverbed bathymetry surveys using multibeam echo-sounders are high interest due data resolution coverage capabilities surpass single-beam methods. Two riverbed elevation datasets, recorded consecutive years, have been used carry out morphological comparative analysis for where Chilia branch bifurcates Old Stambul. performed both grids as whole 3 longitudinal 9 transversal river sections, changes values being majority included [-0.5 m;+0.5 m], minimum -2.4 m maximum 2.2 m, showing bifurcation influence erosion/deposition processes results.