Multi-scale framework and indicators of hydromorphological processes and forms II. Thematic Annexes

Part 2 of Deliverable 2.1 ' Multi-scale framework and indicators of hydromorphological processes and forms' provides fuller details concerning some specific topics outlined in Part 1. 

A method for automating delineation of river reaches is described and tested (Annex A). Information on the natural riparian and aquatic plant communities of Europe is tabulated (Annex B). Flow regime analysis (Annex C) is explored in far greater detail than in part 1, with indicators fully defined and several different methods described. Quantifying the calibre and structure of river sediments is a challenging task, so Annex D goes into this topic in depth, providing the information required for sampling regimes to be designed. In Annex E, some additional information on the classification of rivers and floodplains is provided.

Following a brief description of sediment budgets (Annex F), a more extended description of empirically defined threshold conditions between rivers of different type (Annex G), and a description of a range of sediment transport formulae (Annex H), Annex I presents a series of modelling applications that have been developed for network, reach and habitat scale applications. These are presented in the form of applications of particular models to individual European rivers, many of which are the focus of catchment case studies in Parts 3 and 4 of Deliverable 2.1.

Deliverable 2.1 Part 2 concludes with a review of how remote sensing can contribute to assessment of particular features, processes and characteristics that are required during the application of the hierarchical framework.

Background and Introduction to Deliverable 2.1.

Work Package 2 of REFORM focuses on hydromorphological and ecological processes and interactions within river systems with a particular emphasis on naturally functioning systems. It provides a context for research on the impacts of hydromorphological changes in Work Package 3 and for assessments of the effects of river restoration in Work Package 4.

Deliverable 2.1 of Work Package 2 proposes a hierarchical framework to support river managers in exploring the causes of hydromorphological management problems and devising sustainable solutions. The deliverable has four parts. Part 1 provides a full description of the hierarchical framework and describes ways in which each element of it can be applied to European rivers and their catchments. Part 2 (this volume) includes thematic annexes which provide more detailed information on some specific aspects of the framework described in Part 1. Part 3 includes catchment case studies which present the application of the entire framework described in Part 1 to a set of European catchments located in different biogeographical zones. Part 4 includes catchment case studies which present a partial application of the framework described in Part 1 to a further set of European catchments.

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