Fluvial Geomorphology of Great Britain studies the development of river-made land forms, together with the associated fluvial processes. There are many sites of scientific interest and value throughout the UK. The GCR sites described in this volume represent the wide range of fluvial land forms in the UK, and the accounts provide scientific descriptions of all the fluvial geomorphology sites in Britain selected for statutory nature conservation as SSSIs.
Highlights both the conservation value of the coastal geomorphology sites of Great Britain and the important role these sites play in the development of the science of geomorphology. Each chapter in this work includes descriptions of the landforms and gives interpretation of dynamics of the geomorphological systems operating within the sites.
Rivers are significant geomorphological agents, they show an amazing diversity of form and behaviour and transfer water and sediment from the land surface to the oceans. This book examines how river systems respond to environmental change and why this understanding is needed for successful river management. Highly dynamic in nature, river channels adjust and evolve over timescales that range from hours to tens of thousands of years or more, and are found in a wide range of environments. This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in river channel management, clearly illustrating why an understanding of fluvial geomorphology is vital in channel preservation, environmentally sensitive design and the restoration of degraded river channels. It covers: flow and sediment regimes: flow generation; flow regimes; sediment sources, transfer and yield channel processes: flow characteristics; processes of erosion and sediment transport; interactions between flow and the channel boundary; deposition channel form and behaviour: controls on channel form; channel adjustments; floodplain development; form and behaviour of alluvial and bedrock channels response to change: how channels have responded to past environmental change; impacts of human activity; reconstructing past changes river management: the fluvial hydrosystem; environmental degradation; environmentally sensitive engineering techniques; river restoration; the role of the fluvial geomorphologist. Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology is an indispensable text for undergraduate students. It provides straightforward explanations for important concepts and mathematical formulae, backed up with conceptual diagrams and appropriate examples from around the world to show what they actually mean and why they are important. A colour plate section also shows spectacular examples of fluvial diversity.
Fluvial Geomorphology of Great Britain studies the development of river-made land forms, together with the associated fluvial processes. There are many sites of scientific interest and value throughout the UK. The GCR sites described in this volume represent the wide range of fluvial land forms in the UK, and the accounts provide scientific descriptions of all the fluvial geomorphology sites in Britain selected for statutory nature conservation as SSSIs.
The expert contributors to this cutting edge volume provide an overview of geomorphological process activity and landscape change in Britain over the past 1000 years. The range of the book is unusually broad, encompassing hillslope, valley floor and floodplain, fluvial, estuarine and coastal processes. Provides an overview of geomorphological process activity and landscape change in Britain over the past 1000 years. The range of the book is unusually broad, encompassing hillslope, valley floor and floodplain, fluvial, estuarine and coastal processes. Considers the relevance of technological and conceptual approaches to understanding landscape dynamics. Examines key process environments highlighting significant trends and the influence of human activity, and incorporating examples and modelling. Encourages geographers to look forward to the challenges that geomorphology faces in the new millennium. Find out more information about the RGS-IBG journals by following the links below: AREA: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0004-0894 The Geographical Journal: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0016-7398 Transactions of the Insititute of British Geographers: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0020-2754
The Anthropocene is a major new concept in the Earth sciences and this book examines the effects on geomorphology within this period. Drawing examples from many different global environments, this comprehensive volume demonstrates that human impact on landforms and land-forming processes is profound, due to various driving forces, including: use of fire; extinction of fauna; development of agriculture, urbanisation, and globalisation; and new methods of harnessing energy. The book explores the ways in which future climate change due to anthropogenic causes may further magnify effects on geomorphology, with respect to future hazards such as floods and landslides, the state of the cryosphere, and sea level. The book concludes with a consideration of the ways in which landforms are now being managed and protected. Covering all major aspects of geomorphology, this book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students studying geomorphology, environmental science and physical geography, and for all researchers of geomorphology.
This text presents an overview of fluvial geomorphology (how water movement effects the surface features of the Earth), and aims to provide river engineers and managers with an understanding of natural channel forms and fluvial processes.
Temperate rivers are influenced by many factors including geology, climate, soils, sediment type, flow, as well as human activity. The complex interactions of the non-anthropogenic controlling factors have led to a wonderful diversity of river type throughout the British Isles. Sadly, almost all rivers in the UK have suffered significant and long-lasting modification by unsympathetic management, that has all but destroyed this variety, creating watercourses that are simplified conduits for water and sediment, designed primarily to drain the land and reduce flood risk. This volume aims to help reverse this, illustrating using over 200 images and descriptions, this variety of rivers in Britain, highlighting the many forms that temperate river systems take and providing an accessible summary of the underlying river science knowledge base. A Field Guide to British Rivers covers the full range of upland and lowland channel types and describes the full variety of substrate conditions from bedrock through boulder, cobble and gravel, to silt dominated systems. The authors describe examples gathered from their extensive research and practical experience working with rivers throughout mainland Britain and set those examples in their wider landscape context to exemplify the natural functioning of temperate river types. This book offers a practical and contextualised guide to contribute to efforts towards the sympathetic and sustainable restoration and re-naturalisation of degraded channels in the UK. Offering a unique viewpoint of both the underpinning science and the practicalities of river management, A Field Guide to British Rivers is an essential a stand-alone guide for anyone involved in river restoration and management as well as for those simply interested in rivers in general. Written as a field guide to demonstrate practical examples of river types, and to highlight the pressures they experience and their often-parlous condition, this book is intended to better inform both river management approaches and the policy necessary to achieve this. Fundamentally, the authors seek to demonstrate how the hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological functions of rivers and their catchments are inexorably intertwined, and together how they generate and maintain rivers as dynamic entities.
Rivers are important agents of change that shape the Earth's surface and evolve through time in response to fluctuations in climate and other environmental conditions. They are fundamental in landscape development, and essential for water supply, irrigation, and transportation. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geomorphological processes that shape rivers and that produce change in the form of rivers. It explores how the dynamics of rivers are being affected by anthropogenic change, including climate change, dam construction, and modification of rivers for flood control and land drainage. It discusses how concern about environmental degradation of rivers has led to the emergence of management strategies to restore and naturalize these systems, and how river management techniques work best when coordinated with the natural dynamics of rivers. This textbook provides an excellent resource for students, researchers, and professionals in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, river science, and environmental policy.