Bottom relief and water discharge changes in Nemunas delta due to climate change during the last century

Abstract

In this paper long term Nemunas River runoff data (measured by the Smalininkai gauge station) and Nemunas delta distributaries water discharges data between the main delta distributaries Skirvyte and Atmata (measured by the Rusne city) are determined by the hydrological observances. Water level and annual runoff relative changes and/or differences between the Smalininkai and Rusne gauge stations are related to the South Eastern Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon water level rise and western, south western winds duration and recurrent increase. Diminished and earlier spring floods influence sedimentation processes in the Nemunas delta area. Sediments accumulation is established in the river Rusne. Winds affluent from the Curonian Lagoon cause greater water levels in the Nemunas delta branches and affects the Nemunas River Delta inhabitants — cause inundations, floods. The Nemunas River Delta is very sensitive to climate change. The most sensitive effects are for the main Nemunas river delta distributaries (Skirvyte and Atmata) water distribution and bottom relief changes, sedimentation processes.