Monitoring morphological and vegetation changes and flow events in dryland river channels |
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Authors: | J M Hooke |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth, Buckingham Building, Lion Terrace, Portsmouth, PO1 3HE, UK |
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Abstract: | Monitoring of impacts of floods in river valleys of dryland regions has become important with the onset and threats of desertification
and is likely to become even more vital with predictions of increased effects of climate and land use change. It is also needed
in order to conform to requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. Monitoring in such regions sets particular challenges.
This paper explains a system of low-cost monitoring of changes in morphology, vegetation and sediment cover in channels and
valley floors of ephemerally flowing streams. It has been applied in SE Spain for 10 years and has proved very effective.
In particular, the use of simple crest-stage recorders for measuring flow height and the use of real-time differential GPS
for rapid and accurate survey and for relocating points have proved very valuable. Part of the monitoring is focused on the
interaction of plants and channel processes. Small changes in and around vegetation associated with flow events have been
detected by a combination of quadrat surveys and cross-profiling of the channel. A range of flow events has been measured
over the period of monitoring, demonstrating their differing effects and the varying sensitivity and responsiveness of different
sites. The sporadic occurrence of flood events in such an environment means that a strategy of monitoring several sites and
of continuation over many years has great benefits. |
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Keywords: | Hydromorphology Channel changes Erosion Mediterranean Ephemeral flow Floods Sediment Vegetation |
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