I have returned to Bangladesh to conduct maintenance and repairs on my GNSS (GPS) systems. I have two sets of stations, one in the northeast of the country to study tectonics and earthquake hazards, and one in the south to monitor land subsidence in the face of climate change and sea level rise. While the GPS in your car or phone can determine your location to within 10-15 feet, my more advanced systems can pinpoint positions to about 2 mm horizontally and 6 mm vertically. I set these systems up in fixed locations to observe the gradual movement of the earth over time.
During this visit, I spent a week in Dhaka, the capital, attending meetings. One highlight was the opening of the first line of the new Metro system, which my postdoc Austin and I had the opportunity to travel on. The Metro system, entirely elevated, offers a much more efficient way to traverse the city compared to dealing with the heavy traffic by car. We also experienced Language Day in Dhaka, a day commemorating the recognition of Bangla as an official language, with Sanju, a Dhaka University graduate who has been collaborating with me for six years.
Our work took us to various sites with a team of Dhaka University students. We conducted repairs on the GNSS systems and collected sediment samples using an auger. These samples will be analyzed to understand how different sediment types contribute to land subsidence. The data we collect will be crucial for the sustainability of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta and Bangladesh, considering the impact of sea level rise, land subsidence, and sedimentation.
Our days were filled with early starts, traffic jams, and challenging fieldwork. Despite obstacles like closed bridges and malfunctioning instruments, we persevered to complete our tasks. We also took time to appreciate the beauty of Bangladesh, from the scenic Padma River to the eroding beaches of Kuakata. Our interactions with locals, the dedication of our team members, and the successful completion of our fieldwork made this trip a memorable experience.
