Compiling the guidebook of applied fluvial geomorphology

This project brought together all research into geomorphology carried out in the 1990s. This is relevant for anyone involved in river engineering or creating habitat.

Documents

Guidebook of applied fluvial geomorphology - final report (22KB) PDF

Guidebook of applied fluvial geomorphology - summary (24KB) PDF

Guidebook of applied fluvial geomorphology - technical report (6.6MB) PDF

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email: defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This project was commissioned to bring together all the research into geomorphology, how natural processes such as air and water shape the landscape. This was carried out by the Environment Agency and the National Rivers Authority during the 1990s. The research results have been compiled into a guidebook that will be useful to people who do not have detailed knowledge of geomorphology. They’ll need the guide to understand it and apply its principles to their work.

Geomorphological science and practice is now a regular part of projects involving:

  • flood protection
  • fisheries
  • conservation
  • recreation
  • environmental protection
  • river restoration

The guidebook includes content on how channels form and change, sediment systems, catchment issues and how these apply to the work of Defra and the Environment Agency. It uses examples from flood control projects, bank erosion problems, restoration schemes and a range of ways the science can be applied to different types of sites.

The project started in 2001 and was completed in 2003 at a cost of £24,266.

Published 12 February 2021