Special Issue "Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration"

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrogeology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2023 | Viewed by 6485

Special Issue Editor

Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via Ateneo Lucano, 10, 85100-Potenza, Italy
Interests: geomorphology; fluvial geomorphology; tectonic geomorphology; geological heritage; engineering geology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fluvial geomorphology and river dynamics have become more relevant in recent decades, having suffered relevant modification around the world due to recent strong climate changes. The natural modification of river systems as a consequence of climate change adds to the pressure on humanity, producing modifications of the fluvial landscape and its dynamics. In this framework, a new perspective in approaching research on fluvial environments is fundamental, and it must merge more than one expertise.

The objective of this Special Issue is to provide the reader with information on recent advances in fluvial geomorphology and river management studies. Research papers related to the response of fluvial landform induced by physical processes, in long- to short-term evolution, are expected. Particularly, articles on the relationship among climate change, tectonic activity, and base level variations in fluvial landscape geomorphological long-to-short term evolution will be welcome.

In the last century, fluvial systems have seen an increase in human activities that has led to a modification of their geomorphological, hydrological, and biological factors. The high loss of life and infrastructures due to high-magnitude events in the fluvial environment make detailed studies on river restoration and management particularly suitable. Contributions dealing with fluvial response estimation in river management are of particular interest for publication; papers related to fluvial contexts before/during/after a high-magnitude event are also welcome. Moreover, papers on the self-purification capacity of river catchments are welcome in the light of pollution due to anthropic activities.

The Special Issue will collect contributions coming from different fluvial landscapes over the world, thus allowing scientists to compare fluvial landscape behaviors in different geographical contexts.

Prof. Dr. Salvatore Ivo Giano
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • fluvial geomorphology
  • form and processes of river systems
  • fluvial landscape evolution
  • hydrology of fluvial catchment
  • human impacts on fluvial environment
  • river management and restoration
  • natural- vs. human-induced fluvial landforms

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Article
Balancing Physical Channel Stability and Aquatic Ecological Function through River Restoration
Water 2023, 15(9), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091799 - 08 May 2023
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Vortex rock weirs (VRW) are often used in natural channel design applications to maintain channel form and function, provide physical channel stability, and enhance aquatic habitats. A balanced approach is required to address (often) conflicting goals of VRWs, which include providing erosion protection [...] Read more.
Vortex rock weirs (VRW) are often used in natural channel design applications to maintain channel form and function, provide physical channel stability, and enhance aquatic habitats. A balanced approach is required to address (often) conflicting goals of VRWs, which include providing erosion protection and grade control while facilitating fish passage for target species. This research evaluated a sequence of modified VRWs in a small-scale watercourse in Southern Ontario, Canada. To determine passage suitability for the target fish species, the water level, water temperature, and channel geometries at 10 VRWs and 11 adjacent pools were monitored under different water level conditions. The structural dimensions and velocity at each VRW were compared to the burst swim speed of local small-bodied fish species to determine fish passage suitability and identify the best practices for VRW design and construction. The results concluded that VRWs provided suitable passage for small-bodied fish species through gap and over-weir flow pathways, particularly during low water level conditions. Further, appropriate design considerations based on the VRW gradient, VRW width, keystone size, and pool length contributed to 100% fish ‘passability’ under all water level conditions. The methodology is provided for predicting the velocity and small-bodied fish passage suitability through VRWs, informing the best practices for VRW design and construction while balancing the requirements for channel stability and fish passage, and contributing to fish population management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration)
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Article
The Pretare-Piedilama Clastic Deposit: New Evidence of a Quaternary Rock Avalanche Event in Central Apennines (Italy)
Water 2023, 15(4), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15040753 - 14 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1164
Abstract
This paper deals with the origin of the Pretare clastic deposit (PRA), which crops out along the Morricone fluvial valley in the Central Apennines of Italy. With the aim of deciphering the genesis of the PRA deposit, geological s.l. and geomorphological analyses were [...] Read more.
This paper deals with the origin of the Pretare clastic deposit (PRA), which crops out along the Morricone fluvial valley in the Central Apennines of Italy. With the aim of deciphering the genesis of the PRA deposit, geological s.l. and geomorphological analyses were carried out allowing for the interpretation of the PRA deposit as a rock avalanche. Furthermore, geological cross sections constrained by well-log and field survey data, together with stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and morphometric analyses, allowed us to assign the deposit to a catastrophic rock slope failure, which occurred during a cold climate of the Late Pleistocene. Several issues concerning the propagation mechanisms were inferred from the mapping of 350 boulders over the entire accumulation area and from the measure of the morphometric parameters of the landslide body. We also performed a restoration of the potential source area by comparing the reconstructed pre- and post-failure DEMs. A missing volume of 8.41 × 106 m3 was estimated on the south-eastern side of the Vettore Mt., which is consistent with the deposit volume computed from the geological interpretation (10.56 × 106 m3). The outcomes of this study provide useful insights for a better understanding of the Quaternary morpho-evolution of the Central Apennines area where analogous rock avalanche events marked the recent evolution of the belt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration)
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Article
Genesis and Distribution of Low Fluvial Terraces Formed by Holocene Climate Pulses in Brazil
Water 2022, 14(19), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14192977 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Low fluvial terraces present azonal spatialization, encompassing several geomorphological compartments and climate zones in Brazil. Their genesis is directly related to river dynamics. When influenced by allogenic forces, such as Holocene climate pulses, it results in channel incision and posterior abandonment of the [...] Read more.
Low fluvial terraces present azonal spatialization, encompassing several geomorphological compartments and climate zones in Brazil. Their genesis is directly related to river dynamics. When influenced by allogenic forces, such as Holocene climate pulses, it results in channel incision and posterior abandonment of the floodplain. Relatively plain landforms at different altimetric levels identified between the current floodplain and hillslope (low river terraces) are a result of these processes. Previous works using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) in low terraces of several rivers in Brazil have indicated morpho-chronologic similarities between depositional events, raising the hypothesis of feedbacks and fluvial adjustments relatively simultaneous to Holocene climate events. Considering these dynamics, this study employed OSL to obtain absolute dating information for 114 samples taken from distinct levels of the low river terraces of 30 rivers in Brazil, integrating the database of the IG-UNICAMP laboratory of Geomorphology and Environmental Analysis. Based on the data and statistical analysis (cluster and correlation analysis), this study aimed to identify relationships between different variables which might have controlled spatial homogenous and heterogeneous feedbacks during distinct paleoenvironmental contexts. The proposed methodology tested a fundamental hypothesis of the regional climatic geomorphology, and the results obtained may contribute to future discussions on the relationship between low river terraces and anthropic occupation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration)
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Article
Geomorphology of the Po Fluvial Terraces in Turin Deduced by New Subsoil Data (NW Italy)
Water 2022, 14(18), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14182872 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1204
Abstract
Urban geomorphology is a theme of increasing interest over the last decades. The present research about the Turin geomorphology (NW Italy) was carried out based on the drilling of 40 boreholes, of which 34 were designed for the construction of a new sewer [...] Read more.
Urban geomorphology is a theme of increasing interest over the last decades. The present research about the Turin geomorphology (NW Italy) was carried out based on the drilling of 40 boreholes, of which 34 were designed for the construction of a new sewer collector by SMAT-Società Metropolitana Acque Torino, while other 6 were in the Valentino Park. These investigations allow us to evaluate the detailed morphology of the proglacial plain of the Rivoli-Avigliana end-moraine system (RAES) and facies, thickness and petrographic composition of fluvial sandy gravel forming this plain (Turin Unit). The local discovery of a truncated palaeosol suggests that this unit lies on a significant erosional surface shaped on more ancient fluvial sediments. New radiocarbon dating of woody macrorest above the palaeosol proves the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) age of the Turin Unit. The same investigations suggest the presence of erosional terraces (Molinette T1 and Murazzi T2), shaped by the Po River in the proglacial sediments, and depositional terraces (Vallere T3 and Parco Stura T4), which are essentially formed by sand. Dating of woody macrorest confirms the widespread presence of RAES Late Pleistocene proglacial sediments and the subsequent entrenched Po fluvial terraces due to a significant Holocene fluvial deviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration)
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Article
Comparison between Regionalized Minimum Reference Flow and On-Site Measurements in Hydrographic Basins of Rural Communities in the State of Goiás, Brazil
Water 2022, 14(7), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14071016 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1376
Abstract
Reference flows are important variables for assessing water availability in Brazil, as well as in rural communities in the state of Goiás (Brazil). However, as there is a lack of flowrate data and measurement points, regionalization methods have been used for forecasting the [...] Read more.
Reference flows are important variables for assessing water availability in Brazil, as well as in rural communities in the state of Goiás (Brazil). However, as there is a lack of flowrate data and measurement points, regionalization methods have been used for forecasting the minimum reference flow (Qref) allowed for maintaining water uses. The present research covered 92 hydrographic basins within 46 selected rural communities in the state of Goiás, and 21 basins were selected for carrying out on-site flow measurements, as well as for Qref estimation following three regionalization methodologies. Results show a large variation between the values measured and estimated by the three methodologies, but the statistical analysis found regression equations of one of the methods more suitable for application in rural hydrograph basins of Goiás. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration)
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