Module overview
This module is based on a professional training course for people working in River management and restoration. The course investigates how humans have modified River basins and river channels, and how these in turn have affected the rates and magnitudes of environmental processes within the river network with particular emphasis on the fluxes of water and sediments. Specifically, the module will focus on the contrast between natural and modified channel functioning through the use of research case studies and explore how the management of these complex environments is supported by scientific knowledge. The final component of the module looks at how we can use knowledge of natural processes to help restore damaged river systems.
Specific topics to be included are: Definition of catchment sediment systems, processes of channel adjustment, Geomorphology and physical habitat, ecosystem engineers, the impacts of catchment land use change on river channel processes, river channel modification, river restoration, applied fluvial geomorphology.