g.r Rakhshandehroo - Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
h Akbari - MSc Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
a Pourtouiserkani - PhD Graduate, Department of Civil Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
e Ostadzadeh - BSc Graduate, Department of Civil Engineering, Fars Science and Research University, Shiraz, Iran

In this study, predictions were made for suspended sediment loads in Chenar Rahdar River in response to anticipated future climate change. First, the impact of climate change on rainfall over the basin was assessed for the period of 2011-2040. This was performed for two general circulation models (HadCM3 and CGCM3), under SRES A2 emission scenario. Then, predicted rainfalls were statistically downscaled and used as inputs to HEC-HMS to simulate surface runoff at the basin outlet. Suspended sediment loads were then estimated using rating curves established from previous data measurements. Modelling results showed that, for the period of 2011-2040, climate change would affect both discharge and suspended sediment load at the basin outlet. However, different circulation models yielded different results as to the direction of changes in daily peak flow and suspended sediment load of the river when compared to the periods of their measurements

Climate Change, Suspended Sediment Load, Chenar Rahdar River, Runoff, General Circulation Models