Preface to the Special Issue of the Journal of Hydrology (New Zealand): Sediment Flux, Morphology and River Management

Analysis of sediment flux, and its relations to river morphology, is a fundamental component of pro-active river management. In simple terms, if the geomorphic structure and function of a river are changed, so too are a host of biological and geochemical attributes of that river. Hence, effective ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of hydrology, New Zealand New Zealand, 2011-01, Vol.50 (1), p.1-4
Main Authors: Coleman, Stephen E, Brierley, Gary
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Environmental aspects
Floods
Freshwater
Geomorphology
Rivers
Sediment transport
Watershed management
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Analysis of sediment flux, and its relations to river morphology, is a fundamental component of pro-active river management. In simple terms, if the geomorphic structure and function of a river are changed, so too are a host of biological and geochemical attributes of that river. Hence, effective management of sediment flux has important implications for the availability and viability of aquatic habitat; water quality and nutrient processing relationships; flooding and sedimentation hazards; and riparian vegetation associations. It is with these concerns in mind that activities such as flow regulation, land-use change and resource extraction along rivers should be framed. A better understanding and appropriate management of fluvial sediment processes and morphologies assume even greater importance today with the shadow of potential climate change and its effects on hydrologic and earth-surface processes, and society's concerns about flood risk and protection of the inherent values of river systems.
ISSN:0022-1708