4th ECRR International Conference on River Restoration, 16-21 June 2008

Session 5: Geomorphic processes

This session includes two themes on different aspects of restoration and management of geomorphic processes, sediments, channel changes, and implications for ecological potential and functioning.
Papers in the session will be reviewed for inclusion in a special issue of a journal.

A. Restoration and management of physical processes and sediments

Session chairmen:

Physical processes, including those of sediment production, flux, and storage, are fundamental to the ecological functioning of fluvial systems. River restoration in Europe and other parts of the world is increasingly taking geomorphic processes into account as a necessary condition for enhancing river conditions and promoting channel recovery. River restoration is therefore beginning to involve management of basic fluvial processes such as bank erosion, sediment transport, channel incision, and water flows among others. The objective of this session is to explore the state of the art with respect to these issues, and reexamine recent examples in river restoration, including projects, experiments, experiences, and strategies aimed at integrating geomorphic understanding with restoration and management of fluvial ecosystems.

B. Restoring ‘Working Rivers’ in Mediterranean Climates: What’s their Ecological Potential?

Session convenors:

Rivers in Mediterranean-climate regions tend to be more highly impounded and altered than rivers in humid climates, and thus flow regime and sediment supply in many Mediterranean-climate rivers have been profoundly altered, inducing changes in channel form, process, and ecology. Similarly, 19th-20th C changes in catchment land-use have also resulted in profound changes to Mediterranean-climate rivers. How do we go about restoring such highly altered ecosystems? Do we simply accept the changes in flow and sediment load as constraints? Or do we seek opportunities to restore more natural flow regimes and add sediment downstream of dams to partially compensate for the sediment trapped in the reservoir? Similarly, how do we go about restoration given that our ‘reference’ ecosystems may have resulted from anthropic change? This session explores the restoration challenges facing Mediterranean rivers in general, considers goal setting in light of the WFD’s concept of ‘highly-modified water bodies’, and draws upon experience in restoring river processes and forms in southern France, Iberia, California, and other Mediterranean-climate regions.