Geomorphology of the central plain of Thailand and its relationship with recent flood conditions

The author has investigated the micro-geomorphology of the area flooded by the Chao Phraya river, in the central plain of Thailand. The hydrological condition of the Chao Phraya river which occurs throughout most of this plain has changed considerably over the last five decades due to the construction of artificial structures, such as embankments, multi-purpose dams, storing reservoirs, barrages, irrigation ditches and drainage canals. This report describes a recent transformation in flooding in the plain.The geomorphological units in the central plain of Thailand are classified as follows: 3 types of fans, higher and lower natural levees, 3 types of back marshes, 4 types of deltas, higher and lower mud spits and lagoons, tidal flats and former river courses. The geomorphological units correspond with flood conditions. The most serious flood damage to this point has occurred in deep back marshes and lagoons. The depth of the back marshes is greater than 3 m, and in some cases as much as 6 m. The depth of flood waters ranges from 50 cm to 1 m, and the period of submergence of the lagoonal area is more than 3 months.