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Evaluation and Analysis of Sediment Data Information and Knowledge Management Programme (IKMP

Mekong River Commission

The role of MRC is to promote and coordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well-being
MRC Secretariat is now recruiting a highly qualified consultant for the following consultancy
International Consultant
For Evaluation and Analysis of Sediment Data
Information and Knowledge Management Programme (IKMP), Technical Support Division
Maximum of 30 Working Days starting from February 2012 to April 2012, based at the Office of the
MRC Secretariat in Phnom Penh, Cambodiaand home base
The Term of Reference and other information can be obtained at MRC website http://www.mrcmekong.org. Women are encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be notified
Application procedures:
The application should include (i) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, (ii) a detailed CV, and (iii) MRC Personal History Form and (iv) Financial proposal. The position title and division/section must be indicated in the cover letter.The application should be sent to:
Mekong River Commission Secretariat
P.O. Box 6101
Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Email: mrcs@mrcmekong.org
Closing date for applications: 22 January 2012
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Project Title: Discharge and Sediment Monitoring Project on Decision Support for Generating Sustainable Hydropower in the Mekong Basin (Project No. 2.166.10 FRAI))
2. Title: International Consultant for the Evaluation and Analysis of Sediment Data
3. Duty station: Office of the MRC Secretariat in Phnom Penh (OSP), Cambodia, with a maximum of 10 days at home base
4. Duration: 30 working days (between February and April 2012)
5. Background and rationale
Hydro-meteorological data collection is a core activity of the Mekong River Commission since the establishment of the Mekong Committee in 1957. This activity has provided a significant amount of historical and new data and information for the purpose of project development, design, operation/implementation, and for flood and drought forecasting as well as for many other studies and researches. In addition, the new mandate of the MRC as stipulated in the 1995 Agreement adds even more requirements to the collection of hydro-meteorological data to strengthen understanding of fluvial geomorphological and climate change process and impact on the lower Mekong Basin.
Therefore, the Discharge and Sediment Monitoring Project of the Information and Knowledge Management Programme (IKMP), MRCS was established and begun to implement the discharge and sediment monitoring in 2009 with financial support from the Government of Finland and Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through IKMP of MRCS. This project assures that hydro-meteorological data is acquired, processed and made available for further applications, studies and used in the decision making processes.
Up to date, MRCS holds two time series data. The historical data have some gaps, especially from 2003-2008 when sediment monitoring activity were not well carried out. But under the scope for discharge and sediment transport measurements in the mainstream gauging stations as agreed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for 2009-2011 between MRCS and the Countries (see Annex 1 for details), the data are submitted and stored at MRCS database. Those data include water level, discharge, sediment concentration (SC), grain size analysis (GSA) and other key parameters such as updating rating curves and river cross section profiles. From mid 2011, bedload and bed-materials are also collected. Locations for bedload measurements are in Chiang Sean, Nong Khai and Kratie and 68 locations along the lower Mekong Basin from Chiang Sean, Thailand to Vietnam were identified for bed-materials surveys. From August 2011-March 2012, discharge data at key tributary stations would be available.
The first evaluation and analysis of sediment data was conducted by Professor Des Walling from the University of Exeter in the UK in 2005 upon data availability from five designed sites on the main Mekong River in Thailand and Laos, namely Chiang Saen, Luang Prabang, Nong Kai, Mukdahan and Pakse mainstream stations in Thailand and Lao PDR. The objective is to focus on a review of the existing sediment load data for the mainstream Mekong; aiming at assessing its reliability, characterizing the overall sediment budget of the Lower Mekong basin including evaluating temporal trends and providing recommendations for development of the current measurement programme and for future research. The results of the analysis was generated reliable estimates of the annual sediment load and then provided a basis for assessing both spatial and temporal trends in the suspended sediment loads transported by the Mekong River, although for most stations there were significant gaps in the record. However, existing information suggests that the suspended sediment load of the Mekong is comprised primarily of silt- and clay-sized particles and that surface samples should be reasonably representative of the overall cross-section. Within the available data from few stations, the load estimates indicated some errors of ±40-50% and they were likely to be common. As a consequence, further development of the sediment measurement programme is further recommended within the Mekong basin in order to develop an improved understanding of the spatial distribution of sediment yield and its overall sediment budget. See more details in the report of Des Walling; 2005.
Similarity, there was a published online on sediment load and estimates and variations in the LMR by WANG at al (2009). Changes in hydrology and sediment delivery of the Mekong River in the last 50 years conducted by Zuo Xue,J. Paul Liu and Qian Ge (2010) was also recently published. Their analysis is based on sediment data available from 1962-2003. The studies have revealed that for example a Manwan Dam had little influence on the runoff–SC (suspended sediment concentration) relationship, and the sediment load was relatively stable over the past 40 years. However, it was mentioned that little is known on precipitation, runoff, and the impact of dams on the delta dynamics. Mann–Kendall trend analysis showed no significant change in precipitation and runoff over the past 50 years. Spectral analysis showed that the runoffs of the middle to lower reach of Mekong River. With another 200 new dams to be added to the basin in the next couple of decades, changes are expected in both hydrological regime and delta dynamics. Such a relationship is expected to be even closer when more dams are completed. See more details on the publications mentioned below.
Thus, the evaluation and analysis of recent sediment data (2009-2011) would be the most benefits to bring a graph understanding of the fluvial geomorphological and climate change process on the LMB and also serve as baseline information for the future study.
6. Objectives of consultancy
General objective of the evaluation is to strengthen understanding of the fluvial geomorphological and climate change processes and evaluate the impact on the river including provide recommendations for future sediment monitoring.
Specific objectives of the consultancy are:
1) To review the chosen methodology and currently applied sampling procedures, reporting standards, the updated data base and scrutinize the chosen rating curves (discharge, sediment load, etc.).
2) To evaluate and analyze 2009-2011 data received from MRC member countries such as water level, discharge, sediment and river cross section profiles in comparison with the available data at MRCS database and then identify key issues and fluvial geomorphology change on the LMB include predict the fluvial geomorphological impact due to current and planned hydropower development projects on the LMB.
3) To investigate relationship between these parameters (both water quality and discharge and sediment data) where stations are integrated.
4) To compile bed-materials analysis data and estimate bed-material or bedload transport from equation(s); evaluate and analysis of channel characterization include channel roughness (inc. bed form) and make geomorphic classification and other deem necessary to strengthen understanding of fluvial geomorphological and climate change processes.
5) To strengthen the methodology and capacity of sampling procedures, data acquisition and evaluation, procedures to enhance data accuracy; to provide guidance for further improvements, and present suggestion on the adequacy of the chosen sampling frequencies as well as on the overall monitoring network design.
7. Responsibilities and tasks
In general, the consultant provides an update of MRC database and a comprehensive review, evaluate and analysis of hydrological data available at MRCS to strengthen the understanding of fluvial geomorphological and climate change processes through:
· A review the current discharge and sediment monitoring and propose recommendations (include data reporting forms to be used; investigation of the minimum sampling frequency required for estimating annual sediment loads from measured data and rating curves at various levels of uncertainty and a future monitoring programme);
· A review and access data available at MRCS include updating estimates of annual suspended sediment loads for each station based on rating curves and the available suspended concentration data for each year;
· An assessment of the current status of the fluvial geomorphology and the reliability of discharge and suspended sediment data for mainstream stations in the lower-Mekong Basin;
· Estimated annual loads, sediment transport and balance for all stations include analysis of temporal trends and a basin-wide sediment budget;
· Identify raw velocity and depth data collected during each discharge measurement;
· An overview of the main features of the sediment budget based on available records
· An assessment of recent trend in the suspended sediment load of the Mekong River
· Investigate relationship between water qualities, discharge and sediment mentoring networks;
· An assessment of bed-material or bedload transport from equation(s); channel characterization include channel roughness (inc. bed form) and geomorphic classification;
· Prepare and finalize a technical report from the inputs from various stages of stakeholders and for publication and
· Recommend future monitoring activities and key term of reference for the evaluation and analysis.
The data analysis shall contain:
- Assessment of the reliability of suspended sediment data for mainstream stations in the lower-Mekong Basin in relation to the current status of the fluvial geomorphology Estimate annual loads and balance for all stations including analysis of temporal trends and a basin-wide sediment budget;
- Assess raw velocity and depth data (ADCP or Manual) collected during each discharge measurement. (This would be useful for calibrating hydraulic and sediment transport models and would allow the MRC and research institutions to investigate hydraulic characteristics of the flow (turbulence, secondary circulation etc) and sediment transport dynamics in specific river reaches)
- Analyze bed-material or bed load transport from equation(s) and channel characterization including channel roughness (inc. bed form) and geomorphic classification;
- The relationship between parameters: (Water quality, discharge and sediment transport); and
- Calculate rating curves where possible
- These rating curves are used as input parameters to sediment transport models that are being developed by TSD and external institutions, as well as an input parameter to the SWAT hydrological model in the MRC Decision Support framework (DSF)
- Data and information shall be delivered in MRCS-IS standard formats
8. Expected output:
The expected outputs of this evaluation would include:
  1. A comprehensive report on the status and reliability of suspended sediment data for tributary and mainstream stations in the lower-Mekong Basin included tabulated estimated annual loads for all stations, analysis of temporal trends and a basin-wide sediment budget;
  2. An electronic database of estimated annual loads and annual rating curves for each mainstream and tributary station;
  3. An MRC Technical Report summarizing the findings of the proposed analysis and the work of Walling (2005).
9. Deliverables
The deliverables by the consultant are:
i. Inception report
Latest 10 days after commencement, providing an overview of the chosen methodology and results of the first review of the existing data. The inception report has to contain also a Detailed Work Plan
ii. Draft Final Report
The Draft Final Report is expected by mid April 2012 and has to include detailed description of undertakings, findings, evaluations, recommendations and conclusions.
It is expected that the Draft Final Report will be presented to the MRCS in form of a Power Point presentation and that there will be the opportunity to discuss the results after the presentation.
iii. Final Report
The Final Report should include the suggestions and recommendations of relevant MRC staff and the NMRC line agencies and should be submitted to MRCS by the end of April 2012 when the consultant can work at home country if necessary. The project manager will approve then the final version of the Final Report. The report had to be delivered in three hard copies and soft copy (including summary of evaluation, conclusions and recommendations).
iv. Project Data
The used data, including calculations and evaluations will be handed over to MRCS in MS or database compatible formats (doc/docx, exl/elsx, etc.) The data will be submitted either on a CD or a memory stick.
The comprehensive report on evaluation and analysis of discharge and sediment data has to include clear statements on the following topics:
- Data quality
- Data coverage to fulfil above listed objectives
- Data completeness in relation to Water Quality and Discharge data
- Describe data gaps and recommend changes to the data sampling procedures
- Review data reporting forms and propose changes
- Review laboratory analysis procedures and propose changes
- Provide a list of future monitoring stations that would fill the gaps and issues found during the data analysis.
9. Working principle
The consultant will work in close cooperation with the project manager and the international adviser and with key personnel of the hydrology and modelling components of IKMP include chief technical adviser of IKMP and the IKMP Coordinator for the successful assignment.
The consultant will submit all reports and other documents mentioned in the deliverables of the above to the Project through IKMP Coordinator for the certification of payment. The Project will provide all available current and existing sediment data and facilitate all meetings with other personnel at MRCS and line agencies if necessary.
10. Qualifications
The consultant should have the following requirements:
  • A MSc. or PhD level university degree in sedimentology, geomorphology, water resources management or related field.
  • A minimum of 10 years experience in evaluation and analysis of sediment data or similar
  • Publications of the similar studies and reports are assets
  • Comprehensive knowledge on sediment monitoring and data collection techniques
  • Knowledge of relevant models, methods and tools.
  • Knowledge about metadata standards and, especially ISO19115 and laboratory standards like ISO17025.
  • Knowledge about River morphology, sediment transport, hydrology, meteorology, GIS, Environment and integrated water resource management or similar.
  • Excellent written English language skills.
  • Experiences in working in riparian countries are assets.
12. Condition of payment:
A daily fee rate (estimated 30 days) and DSA for time spent in the region according to MRC rules comprise the payment for this assignment. MRCS will cover all related travel expenses such as airfare (i.e. economy class) from home country to OSP and home country. Payment schedule will be negotiated with Human Resource Section of MRC and in according to previous practice and rule.
13. Relevant documents to access and review
- Access to the Minutes of the MRC Regional Workshop on Discharge and Sediment Monitoring and Geomorphological Tools for the Lower Mekong Basin at http://www.mrcmekong.org/download/Presentations/sediment-monitoring/Minutes_MRCSedimentWorkshop_21_22Oct08l.pdf
- Access to series of presentation at the Regional Workshop on Discharge and Sediment Monitoring and Geomorphological Tools for the Lower-Mekong Basin; Mekong River Commission Secretariat /Vientiane, Lao PDR, 21-22 October 2008 at http://www.mrcmekong.org/free_download/sediment-monitoring-ppt.htm
- The Impact of Global Change on Erosion and Sediment Transport by Rivers: Current Progress and Future Challenges at http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001850/185078e.pdf


Download Attachment: ToR_annex_1.doc