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C. Wannasin (Mo)

Researcher

About Me

Mo Chanoknun Wannasin is a postdoctoral researcher at University of Twente, in collaboration with Deltares.

Mo's primary focus is the development of the ‘Virtual Delta’ - a digital twin - aimed at innovating operational modelling for real time forecasting and management of salt intrusion in the Rhine-Meuse delta. This research is part of the SALTISolutions project, funded by NWO.

In her role, Mo collaborates closely with project partners and stakeholders, including Dutch water authorities (Rijkswaterstaat and waterboards), industrial sector (e.g., drinking water companies) and PhD students from different Dutch universities.

Mo's academic journey began with an MSc degree in Earth and Environment, specializing in hydrology and water resources, from Wageningen University. She further pursued her passion in research and earned a PhD in hydrological modelling and forecasting, also from Wageningen University.

Mo's expertise and interests lie in forecasting and decision-making in water-related crisis management. While focusing on integrated modelling and data analysis/analytics, she is deeply committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder involvement to turn research outcomes into practice. 

She values scientific communication, recognizing its crucial role in bridging the gap between research and society. Beyond her professional commitments, she dedicates her free time to exploring the art of visual storytelling for the sciences. Mo firmly believes that while publishing scientific papers and presenting at conferences are crucial, it's equally important for research findings to resonate with diverse audiences in a simple and engaging manner.

Research

The Virtual Delta - a digital twin for real-time forecasting and management of salt intrusion

Estuarine saltwater intrusion poses a significant hydrological and environmental challenge in the Rhine-Meuse delta, amplified by human interventions (e.g., river engineering) and climate change impacts (e.g., droughts, storm surges, and sea-level rise). The more frequent and severe salt intrusion events, especially during droughts in 2018, 2020, and 2022, emphasize the need for accurate forecasting and effective management.

This research aims to develop a digital twin for real-time forecasting and management of salt intrusion. The digital twin is part of the Virtual Delta, one of the main outputs that the SALTISolutions research project is working towards. As an operational modelling toolbox, this digital twin consists of four components: observed data analysis, real-time forecasting, early warning, and exploratory simulations.

The observed data analysis component includes statistical information, such as return periods and exceedance exceedance probability of chloride concentration, river discharge, and water level. The forecasting component employs currently available salt intrusion models within the SALTISolutions research project, including 1D, 2D, statistical, and machine learning models. The early warning component utilizes thresholds (e.g., maximum chloride concentrations at freshwater inlets). Exploratory simulations consider what-if scenarios (e.g., lower river discharge) and management options (e.g., combinations of different measures in real-time).

The research is ongoing. The Virtual Delta is expected to assist water managers and stakeholders (e.g., drinking water companies) in decision-making, addressing impacts of saltwater intrusion, and ensuring a continuous supply of freshwater in the delta. 

Contact Details

Visiting Address

University of Twente
Drienerlolaan 5
7522 NB Enschede
The Netherlands

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Mailing Address

University of Twente
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands

Additional Contact Information

My main workplace is at Deltares in Delft.

Also contact: mo.wannasin@deltares.nl

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