Measuring geomorphology in river assessment procedures 2: Recommendations for supporting river management goals

Abstract

Fluvial geomorphology, which describes the form and processes of rivers, is increasingly being incorporated into river assessment procedures. However, the complexity of geomorphic processes makes a single universal and standardized assessment protocol a challenging and possibly impractical task. In this paper, we present a set of recommendations for choosing appropriate river assessment procedures and measuring geomorphic indicators to effectively capture important geomorphic processes required to support river management goals. We outline steps for building a river assessment procedure based on an adaptive approach rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, where the geomorphic indicators, spatial and temporal scale, and methodologies used are carefully chosen based on the goals of the management project; the assessment aims to support. Guidance for choosing the appropriate geomorphic indicators is based on their significance (usefulness in characterizing the system), ease of measurement, and temporal scale needs. We also present recommendations on measurement techniques for each indicator while highlighting recent technological and methodological advancements that help overcome resource challenges often faced in river assessment. Given the wealth of scientific and technological developments in the field of geomorphology, it is possible to improve how geomorphic form and function are measured and incorporated into river assessments that support watershed management goals.