Resistance, Turbulence and Sediment Transport in the Flow–Vegetation Interaction

Dear Colleagues,

Riparian vegetation, besides strongly affecting river hydraulics, plays a key role in both ecological and habitat aspects and, because of the effect on landscape, has a significant recreational function. From a more strictly technical viewpoint, vegetation clutters up part of the river cross-section, increases the roughness, and reduces the velocity; all this results in increased water levels and reduced water conveyance. Vegetation cover plays an essential role in infiltration and the control of soil erosion in catchments. On the scale of the hydrographic network, vegetation influences the travel time of water particles and infiltration, making the peak flow control easier. As largely recognized today, flow, turbulence, sediment transport, geomorphology, and vegetation constitute an interrelated system.

Despite the huge number of studies carried out, it should be said, however, that in the flow–vegetation interaction, there are still many aspects to be investigated and clarified. We mention just a few of them: the hydraulics of overland flow, drag coefficients, compound sections, the shear stress exerted on the bed and banks, the turbulence, the production and dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy, sediment transport, the action and evolution of finite-sized vegetation patches, interactions between jets and vegetation, processes of transport and dispersion, one-line emergent vegetation, tree uprooting processes, and large wood transport during high flows. These different aspects can be addressed from an experimental point of view, in the laboratory or in the field, as well as numerically. When it is necessary to identify flooded areas, or to perform flood risk assessment, remote sensing can be used to define the different roughness values with the simultaneous use of different remote sensing techniques and direct calibration in the field.

We invite you to provide your contributions to deepen the knowledge of the flow–vegetation interaction, based on theoretical developments, experimental research, and numerical modeling; studies in the field of restoration and maintenance are equally welcome.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Calomino
Dr. Antonino D’Ippolito
Guest Editors

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