Geomorphology Fluvial and River Processes
Sean J. Bennett Department of Geography University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14261-0055 [e-mail] Andrew Simon USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory P.O. Box 1157 Oxford, MS 38655 [e-mail] Areas of interest: Streambank mechanics, unstable channels, bank-stability modeling, flowenergy, regional sediment yields, stream restoration
Areas of interest: Sediment transport mechanics, turbulent flow, gully erosion, reservoir sedimentation, vegetation and rivers
Dynamically stable, multifunctional river corridors
Dynamically unstable, nonmultifunctional river corridors
Impaired or degraded
Dynamically unstable, non-multifunctional river corridors
Stream Restoration
The return of an impaired or degraded river corridor ecosystem to a close approximation of its remaining natural potential (as defined by habitat quality, quantity, species richness/diversity) Not to its original or undisturbed condition
Habitat degradation often is driven by stream channel degradation and instability
How does one become an effective practitioner in Stream Restoration?
Fluvial Geomorphology
The processes controlling river channel form and river channel change, their causes and stimuli, and their time and space scales
Aquatic Ecology
The biogeochemical interactions between species and their environment, including ecosystem assessment and integrity
River Engineering
The geotechnical and hydraulic corrective measures designed to create a dynamically stable, multifunctional river corridor
Goals of Lectures
Provide an introduction to the main topics in fluvial geomorphology Academic and applied approaches
Stress physical processes Blend of earth science and engineering
Mix of classic and emerging trends in fluvial geomorphology
Working knowledge of river processes and forms, river channel change, and critical concepts of river restoration
Categories of Lectures
Basic principles in fluvial geomorphology and river mechanics Topical seminars on fundamental and applied aspects of river process and form Tools and technology available to assess river processes and river channel change
Case studies of river corridor assessment
Fluvial Geomorphology and River Processes (1)
Topics Introduction Fundamental Concepts Geomorphology in Fluid Flow in Rivers Sediment Transport Longitudinal Profiles Vertical Adjustments and Flow Energy Flow Resistance and Hydraulic Geometry Channel Pattern River Meanders Confluences and River Networks Lateral Adjustments and Bank Mechanics Sediment Yield and Budgets Regional Sediment Yields Sediment Sources Presenter Bennett Simon Bennett Bennett Bennett Simon Bennett Bennett Bennett Bennett Simon Bennett Simon Simon
Fluvial Geomorphology and River Processes (2)
Topics Vegetation and Rivers I: Hydrodynamics Vegetation and Rivers II: Geotechnical Bank Stability Model Channel Models I: 1D, 2D, and Cellular Automata Channel Models II: CONCEPTS Stream Restoration I: Problems and Opportunities Stream Restoration II: Disturbance and Evolution Stream Restoration III: Approaches Topics in River Assessment and Management Topical Seminars & Case Studies River Bedforms Sedimentation and Flood Control Reservoirs Modeling Fluvial Adjustment to Woody Vegetation Goodwin Creek Bendway Restoration Presenter Bennett Simon Simon Bennett Simon Bennett Simon Simon Frothingham
Bennett Bennett Bennett Simon
Primary References
Bridge, J.S., Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes, and Sedimentary Record, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 2003. Julien, P.Y., Erosion and Sedimentation, Cambridge University Press, New York, 1998. Julien, P.Y., River Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2002. Knighton, D., Fluvial Forms and Processes: A New Perspective, Arnold, London, 1998. Leopold, L.B., M.G. Wolman, and J.P. Miller, Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, 1964. Morisawa, M.E., Rivers, Longman, New York, 1985. Thorne, C.R., R.D. Hey, and M.D. Newson, Applied Fluvial Geomorphology for River Engineering and Management, Wiley, Chichester, 1997. Watson C., Stream restoration slides, Colorado State University.
Conclusion
Ecosystem or water quality impairment in rivers often is intimately associated with stream channel (dynamic) stability Effective practitioners in stream restoration understand fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, and engineering solutions Here we will examine the basic principles of fluvial geomorphology, complemented by case studies of river corridors, topical seminars, and tools and technology