Incised River Channels Processes, Forms, Engineering, and Management

Incised river channels are ubiquitous features of landscapes disturbed by environmental change. Problems associated with channel incision include undermining of structures, downstream sedimentation, severe bank erosion and widening, and degradation of aquatic and riparian habitats. In Incised River Channels, research from the disciplines of geomorphology, hydraulics, sediment transport, ecology, environmental management and river engineering is brought together to develop a detailed, integrated treatment, over a range of spatial and temporal scales, of the dynamic behaviour of unstable incised rivers. The book emphasizes the need for improved understanding of the processes and mechanisms of channel adjustment and evolution to underpin sustainable river management and engineering. It contains important original contributions from an international authorship. Contributors include university and government scientists and researchers, as well as practitioners from regulatory and consultancy organizations. Divided into three thematic sections, Incised River Channels covers the nature and significance of incised channels, processes, and mitigation and management. Fundamental principles are illustrated using case studies from a wide range of physiographic environments, providing a wide geographical coverage. This volume will be of interest to academics and advanced level students who are studying fluvial geomorphology and/or river engineering. It will also be of appeal to all those interested in river adjustment and management.

Stephen Darby is a senior lecturer in Physical Geography at the University of Southampton, UK.