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Search Results (289)

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28 pages, 5260 KB  
Article
Modeling Urban Green Access: Combining Zone-Based Proximity and Demand-Weighted Metrics in a Medium-Sized U.S. City
by Yifanzi Zhu, Qiuyi Yang, Shuying Guo, Yuhan Wen, Xinyi Wang and Rui Wang
Land 2025, 14(9), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091926 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
Urban green space (UGS) accessibility is a cornerstone of equitable and sustainable city planning. However, existing studies focus on large metropolitan areas and rely on limited spatial models that overlook the complexity of urban morphology and socio-demographic diversity. This study shifts the focus [...] Read more.
Urban green space (UGS) accessibility is a cornerstone of equitable and sustainable city planning. However, existing studies focus on large metropolitan areas and rely on limited spatial models that overlook the complexity of urban morphology and socio-demographic diversity. This study shifts the focus to East Lansing, a medium-sized U.S. city that exhibits neither the spatial concentration of major metropolises nor the uniformity of small towns, thereby offering a distinctive context to examine urban green space equity. To this end, we develop a composite accessibility index by integrating four complementary spatial models: Euclidean distance, gravity-based access, two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA), and zone-based analysis. Utilizing high-resolution spatial, demographic, and environmental datasets, the study applies both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to uncover global patterns and local variations in accessibility determinants. The results reveal pronounced neighborhood-level disparities, with variables such as green coverage, park provision, and commercial density emerging as significant but spatially uneven predictors. The composite index yields a more robust and equitable representation of UGS accessibility than any individual model. This multi-model, spatially explicit framework contributes to methodological advances in accessibility assessment and offers actionable insights for place-based urban greening strategies. Full article
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31 pages, 14731 KB  
Article
The CUGA Method: A Reliable Framework for Identifying Public Urban Green Spaces in Metropolitan Regions
by Borja Ruiz-Apilánez and Francesco Pilla
Land 2025, 14(9), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091751 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 602
Abstract
This study addresses the challenge of reliably identifying Public Urban Green Spaces (PUGS) in metropolitan areas, a key requirement for advancing equitable access to green infrastructure and monitoring progress toward SDG 11.7 and WHO recommendations. In the absence of consistent local datasets, we [...] Read more.
This study addresses the challenge of reliably identifying Public Urban Green Spaces (PUGS) in metropolitan areas, a key requirement for advancing equitable access to green infrastructure and monitoring progress toward SDG 11.7 and WHO recommendations. In the absence of consistent local datasets, we propose the Candidate Urban Green Area (CUGA) method, which integrates OpenStreetMap and Copernicus Urban Atlas data through a structured, transparent workflow. The method applies spatial and functional filters to isolate green spaces that are publicly accessible, meet minimum size and usability criteria, and are embedded within the urban fabric. We validate CUGA in the Dublin Region using a stratified random sample of 1-ha cells and compare its performance against five alternative datasets. Results show that CUGA achieves the highest classification accuracy, spatial coverage, and statistical robustness across all counties, significantly outperforming administrative, crowdsourced, and satellite-derived sources. The method also delivers greater net spatial impact in terms of green area, catchment coverage, and residential land intercepted. These findings support the use of CUGA as a reliable and transferable tool for urban green space planning, policy evaluation, and sustainability reporting, particularly in data-scarce or fragmented governance contexts. Full article
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29 pages, 11185 KB  
Article
Assessment of the Volume, Spatial Diversity, Functioning, and Structure of Sediments in Water Bodies Within the Słubia River Catchment (Myślibórz Lakeland, Poland)
by Witold Jucha, Aleksandra Bobrek, Weronika Ceglarek, Piotr Cybul, Izabela Grabiec, Nikola Kachnowicz, Michał Kijowski, Natalia Konderak, Paulina Mareczka, Daniel Okupny, Zofia Sotek, Izabela Rysak and Piotr Trzepla
Water 2025, 17(17), 2530; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172530 - 26 Aug 2025
Viewed by 975
Abstract
Water reservoirs play a crucial role in the environment in many aspects: hydrology, geochemistry, sediment lithology, geo- and biodiversity, landscape, etc. First of all, it is necessary to have accurate information about the spatial distribution of these objects in a given area to [...] Read more.
Water reservoirs play a crucial role in the environment in many aspects: hydrology, geochemistry, sediment lithology, geo- and biodiversity, landscape, etc. First of all, it is necessary to have accurate information about the spatial distribution of these objects in a given area to assess their size and functioning. Maps and contemporary spatial databases are often incomplete or outdated, especially in regard to small objects, of variable surface area and condition. This article uses the following approach: high-resolution terrain models derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) were used for visual interpretation of extensive, flat depressions representing water body basins, thus determining the total number of objects, and classifying them as kettle holes, lakes, ponds, and other types of reservoirs (e.g., overbank basins, oxbow lakes). Using an aerial orthophotomap, the objects were subsequently verified as to how many basins are currently occupied by water bodies. The next step was to determine a number of topographic and morphometric parameters for each object in order to assess their functioning conditions. For selected objects, the assessment was expanded to include a geochemical and lithological analysis of the sediments. The study was conducted in the catchment of the Słubia River (136 km2), located in Central Europe, in northwestern Poland. In the Słubia catchment, a total of 931 water body basins were mapped. The dominant forms are kettle holes (<1 ha), representing nearly 80% of all objects. At present, kettle holes are largely devoid of water bodies and subject to a strong human impact. In addition to those, 118 lake basins were identified (>1 ha, the largest being Lake Morzycko, 360 ha), half of which are occupied by water reservoirs. Ponds and other reservoirs were represented by 37 and 47 objects, respectively. From the perspective of contemporary sediment-forming processes in the documented sedimentary basins, the most favorable conditions for biogenous sediment accumulation exist in the catchments of the upper and medium courses of the Słubia River valley. Although the lithological diversity and thickness of individual sediment types in the Słubia catchment represent local features, they corroborate the results of previous telmatologic research conducted in Myślibórz Lakeland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Erosion and Sediment Transport)
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16 pages, 1481 KB  
Article
Assessing Urban Lake Performance for Stormwater Harvesting: Insights from Two Lake Systems in Western Sydney, Australia
by Sai Kiran Natarajan, Dharmappa Hagare and Basant Maheshwari
Water 2025, 17(17), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172504 - 22 Aug 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
This study examines the impact of catchment characteristics and design on the performance of urban lakes in terms of water quality and stormwater harvesting potential. Two urban lake systems in Western Sydney, Australia, were selected for comparison: Wattle Grove Lake, a standalone constructed [...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of catchment characteristics and design on the performance of urban lakes in terms of water quality and stormwater harvesting potential. Two urban lake systems in Western Sydney, Australia, were selected for comparison: Wattle Grove Lake, a standalone constructed lake, and Woodcroft Lake, part of an integrated wetland–lake system. Both systems receive runoff from surrounding residential catchments of differing sizes and land uses. Over a one-year period, continuous monitoring was conducted to evaluate water quality parameters, including turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus), pH, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand. The results reveal that the lake with an integrated wetland significantly outperformed the standalone lake in terms of water quality, particularly in terms of turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS), achieving up to 70% reduction in TSS at the outlet compared to the inlet. The wetland served as an effective pre-treatment system, reducing pollutant loads before water entered the lake. Despite this, nutrient concentrations in both systems remained above the thresholds set by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) Guidelines (2000), indicating persistent challenges in nutrient retention. Notably, the larger catchment area and shallow depth of Wattle Grove Lake likely contributed to higher turbidity and nutrient levels, resulting from sediment resuspension and algal growth. Hydrological modelling using the Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation (MUSIC) software (version 6) complemented the field data and highlighted the influence of catchment size, hydraulic retention time, and lake depth on pollutant removal efficiency. While both systems serve important environmental and recreational functions, the integrated wetland–lake system at Woodcroft demonstrated greater potential for safe stormwater harvesting and reuse within urban settings. The findings from the study offer practical insights for urban stormwater management and inform future designs that enhance resilience and water reuse potential in growing cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Stormwater Harvesting, and Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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21 pages, 10407 KB  
Article
Detecting the Occurrence and Explaining the Origin of Lithologic Discontinuities in Low-Mountain Soils: An Example from the Carpathians, Southern Poland
by Andrzej Kacprzak and Marek Kasprzak
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080326 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 542
Abstract
This study investigates the internal structure and lithologic variability of slope deposits in a small catchment in the Polish Outer Carpathians using pedological methods supported by geochemical analyses and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). It addresses the occurrence of lithologic discontinuities in the soils [...] Read more.
This study investigates the internal structure and lithologic variability of slope deposits in a small catchment in the Polish Outer Carpathians using pedological methods supported by geochemical analyses and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). It addresses the occurrence of lithologic discontinuities in the soils of flysch-dominated mountain areas. Diagnostic criteria from the WRB system—based on particle-size distribution and the content and lithology of coarse fragments—were applied to identify lithologic discontinuities, complemented by computation of sand and silt separates on a clay-free basis. Geochemical analyses and ERT were then used to assess their likely origin. Three major vertical sections were distinguished, separated by discontinuities: an uppermost unit consisting of aeolian material mixed with solifluctional deposits; a middle unit dominated by solifluctional materials; and a lowermost unit composed of colluvial deposits. The study confirms the utility of ERT in detecting subsurface differentiation of stratified slope sediments and provides a model for interpreting pedosedimentary sequences in Carpathian low-mountain environments. Full article
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30 pages, 7914 KB  
Article
Impact of Climate Change on Water-Sensitive Urban Design Performances in the Wet Tropical Sub-Catchment
by Sher Bahadur Gurung, Robert J. Wasson, Michael Bird and Ben Jarihani
Earth 2025, 6(3), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030099 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Existing drainage systems have limited capacity to mitigate future climate change-induced flooding problems effectively. However, some studies have evaluated the effectiveness of integrating Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with existing drainage systems in mitigating flooding in tropical regions. This study examined the performance of [...] Read more.
Existing drainage systems have limited capacity to mitigate future climate change-induced flooding problems effectively. However, some studies have evaluated the effectiveness of integrating Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with existing drainage systems in mitigating flooding in tropical regions. This study examined the performance of drainage systems and integrated WSUD options under current and future climate scenarios in a sub-catchment of Saltwater Creek, a tropical catchment located in Cairns, Australia. A combination of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (1D2D) runoff generation and routing models (RORB, storm injector, and MIKE+) is used for simulating runoff and inundation. Several types of WSUDs are tested alongside different climate change scenarios to assess the impact of WSUD in flood mitigation. The results indicate that the existing grey infrastructure is insufficient to address the anticipated increase in precipitation intensity and the resulting flooding caused by climate change in the Engineers Park sub-catchment. Under future climate change scenarios, moderate rainfall events contribute to a 25% increase in peak flow (95% confidence interval = [1.5%, 0.8%]) and total runoff volume (95% confidence interval = [1.05%, 6.5%]), as per the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 in the 2090 scenario. Integrating WSUD with existing grey infrastructure positively contributed to reducing the flooded area by 18–54% under RCP 8.5 in 2090. However, the efficiency of these combined systems is governed by several factors such as rainfall characteristics, the climate change scenario, rain barrel and porous pavement systems, and the size and physical characteristics of the study area. In the tropics, the flooding problem is estimated to increase under future climatic conditions, and the integration of WSUD with grey infrastructure can play a positive role in reducing floods and their impacts. However, careful interpretation of results is required with an additional assessment clarifying how these systems perform in large catchments and their economic viability for extensive applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Water Management in the Age of Climate Change)
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21 pages, 1379 KB  
Article
Stream Temperature, Density Dependence, Catchment Size, and Physical Habitat: Understanding Salmonid Size Variation Across Small Streams
by Kyle D. Martens and Warren D. Devine
Fishes 2025, 10(8), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080368 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
The average body size (fork length) of juvenile salmonids in small streams varies across landscapes and can be influenced by stream temperature, density dependence, catchment size, and physical habitat. In this study, we compared sets of 16 mixed-effects linear models representing these four [...] Read more.
The average body size (fork length) of juvenile salmonids in small streams varies across landscapes and can be influenced by stream temperature, density dependence, catchment size, and physical habitat. In this study, we compared sets of 16 mixed-effects linear models representing these four potentially influencing indicators for three species/age classes to assess the relative importance of their influences on body size. The global model containing all indicators was the most parsimonious model for juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch; R2m = 0.4581, R2c = 0.5859), age-0 trout (R2m = 0.4117, R2c = 0.5968), and age-1 or older coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarkii; R2m = 0.2407, R2c = 0.5188). Contrary to expectations, salmonid density, catchment size, and physical habitat metrics contributed more to the top models for both coho salmon and age-1 or older cutthroat trout than stream temperature metrics. However, a stream temperature metric, accumulated degree days, had the only significant relationship (positive) of the indicators with body size in age-0 trout (95% CI 1.58 to 23.04). Our analysis identifies complex relationships between salmonid body size and environmental influences, such as the importance of physical habitat such as pool size and boulders. However, management or restoration actions aimed at improving or preventing anticipated declines in physical habitat such as adding instream wood or actions that may lead to increasing pool area have potential to ensure a natural range of salmonid body sizes across watersheds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat as a Template for Life Histories of Fish)
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50 pages, 45416 KB  
Article
Uncovering Anthropogenic Changes in Small- and Medium-Sized River Basins of the Southwestern Caspian Sea Watershed: Global Information System and Remote Sensing Analysis Using Satellite Imagery and Geodatabases
by Vladimir Tabunshchik, Aleksandra Nikiforova, Nastasia Lineva, Roman Gorbunov, Tatiana Gorbunova, Ibragim Kerimov, Abouzar Nasiri and Cam Nhung Pham
Water 2025, 17(13), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132031 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1338
Abstract
This study investigates the anthropogenic transformation of small- and medium-sized river basins within the Caspian Sea catchment. The basins of seven rivers—Sunzha, Sulak, Ulluchay, Karachay, Atachay, Haraz, and Gorgan—were selected as key study areas. For both the broader Caspian region, particularly its southwestern [...] Read more.
This study investigates the anthropogenic transformation of small- and medium-sized river basins within the Caspian Sea catchment. The basins of seven rivers—Sunzha, Sulak, Ulluchay, Karachay, Atachay, Haraz, and Gorgan—were selected as key study areas. For both the broader Caspian region, particularly its southwestern sector, and the selected study sites, trends in land cover types were analyzed, natural resource use practices were assessed, and population density dynamics were examined. Furthermore, a range of indices were calculated to quantify the degree of anthropogenic transformation, including the coefficient of anthropogenic transformation, the land degradation index, the urbanity index, the degree of anthropogenic transformation, coefficients of absolute and relative tension of the ecological and economic balance, and the natural protection coefficient. The study was conducted using geoinformation research methods and sets of geodata databases—the global LandScan population density database, the GHS Population Grid database, the ESRI land cover type dynamics database, and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. The analysis was performed using the geoinformation programs QGIS and ArcGIS, and a large amount of literary and statistical data was additionally analyzed. It is shown that within the studied region, there has been a decrease in the number and density of the population, as a result of which the territories of river basins are experiencing an increasing anthropogenic impact, the woody type of land cover is decreasing, and the agricultural type is increasing. The most anthropogenically transformed river basins are Karachay, Haraz, and Gorgan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Remote Sensing and GISs in River Basin Ecosystems)
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17 pages, 1105 KB  
Article
Contrasting Microplastic Characteristics in Macroinvertebrates from Two Independent but Adjacent Rivers in Kruger National Park, South Africa
by Purvance Shikwambana, Llewellyn C. Foxcroft, Hindrik Bouwman, Judith Botha and Jonathan C. Taylor
Water 2025, 17(11), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17111579 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Freshwater macroinvertebrates, often used as indicators of environmental quality for freshwater ecosystems, may be compromised by microplastics (MPs). We investigated MPs occurring in benthic filter feeder, predator, and grazer macroinvertebrates collected from the catchment-independent but adjacent Olifants and Sabie rivers of Kruger National [...] Read more.
Freshwater macroinvertebrates, often used as indicators of environmental quality for freshwater ecosystems, may be compromised by microplastics (MPs). We investigated MPs occurring in benthic filter feeder, predator, and grazer macroinvertebrates collected from the catchment-independent but adjacent Olifants and Sabie rivers of Kruger National Park as duplicates. We counted 369 MPs in 376 organisms (1.0 n/organism) with a mean of 8.8 n/organism, 8.5 n/organism, and 0.16 n/organism in filter feeders, predators, and grazers, respectively. Based on MP colour, size, and morphotype, significant differences in proportional compositions between predatorial macroinvertebrates and all other macroinvertebrates in both rivers preclude predatorial macroinvertebrates as a proxy indicator for the other macroinvertebrates. Proportional compositions of MP characteristics in macroinvertebrates differed in all respects between the two adjacent rivers, except for one aspect. Microplastic morphotypes occurred in equal proportions in macroinvertebrates of both rivers, suggesting biological selection based on morphotype but not MP colour or size. We found little evidence of trophic transfer between feeding guilds. Of the six polymer types observed (n = 50), butyl and chlorobutyl dominated. Waste mismanagement, single-use plastics, inefficient wastewater treatment plants, mining, and road transportation may be the major MP pollution sources that need mitigation. Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems of nature conservation areas need more attention due to high biodiversity that may be exposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Microplastics on Aquatic Ecosystems)
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22 pages, 5308 KB  
Article
Investigating the Compound Influence of Tidal and River Floodplain Discharge Under Storm Events in the Brisbane River Estuary, Australia
by Usman Khalil, Mariam Sajid, Muhammad Zain Bin Riaz, Umair Iqbal, Essam Jnead, Shu-Qing Yang and Muttucumaru Sivakumar
Water 2025, 17(10), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101554 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 768
Abstract
Effective flood management requires a comprehensive understanding of interactions between multiple flooding sources. This study investigates compound flooding in the Brisbane River Estuary (BRE), Australia, using the MIKE 21 hydrodynamic model to assess the combined effects of tidal and riverine processes on flood [...] Read more.
Effective flood management requires a comprehensive understanding of interactions between multiple flooding sources. This study investigates compound flooding in the Brisbane River Estuary (BRE), Australia, using the MIKE 21 hydrodynamic model to assess the combined effects of tidal and riverine processes on flood extent and water levels. Unlike conventional studies that evaluate these factors separately, this research quantifies the impact of boundary condition variations at the Moreton Bay entrance on flood modelling accuracy. The model was calibrated by adjusting Manning’s n, achieving a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (Ens) ranging from 0.84 to 0.95. Validation results show a 90% agreement between the simulated and observed 2011 flood extent. The findings highlight the critical role of tidal boundary conditions, as their exclusion led to a 0.62 m and 0.12 m reduction in flood levels at Jindalee and Brisbane City gauges, respectively. This study provides valuable insights for improving flood risk assessment, model accuracy, and decision-making in estuarine flood management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Management and Nearshore Hydrodynamics, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 971 KB  
Article
Vegetation Cover as a Driver of Sedimentary Organic Matter in Small Water Reservoirs
by Aleksandar Anđelković, Vesna Nikolić Jokanović, Dušan Jokanović and Velibor Spalevic
Water 2025, 17(8), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081148 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Understanding the impact of vegetation on organic matter content in sediments is essential for sustainable reservoir management and water quality protection. This study examined the relationship between land cover, erosion processes, and organic matter accumulation in the sediments of four small water reservoirs [...] Read more.
Understanding the impact of vegetation on organic matter content in sediments is essential for sustainable reservoir management and water quality protection. This study examined the relationship between land cover, erosion processes, and organic matter accumulation in the sediments of four small water reservoirs in the Republic of Serbia. Organic matter content was quantified and analyzed in relation to basin characteristics, including land-use composition, absolute and mean flow gradients, and sediment grain size distribution. Field sampling was conducted across the catchments of four small water reservoirs—Duboki potok, Resnik, Ljukovo, and Sot—with sediment samples collected from main tributaries and accumulation basins. A multi-method approach was employed, combining remote sensing for vegetation-cover assessment, granulometric analysis, organic matter evaluation via loss-on-ignition at 350 °C, and statistical correlation analysis to assess the influence of land use and hydrological gradients on sediment composition. The results revealed a strong correlation (R = 0.892) between forest cover and sedimentary organic matter content, confirming the significant role of vegetation in stabilizing sediments and promoting organic matter deposition. Reservoirs with higher forest and shrub cover (e.g., Sot and Duboki potok) exhibited greater organic matter accumulation (5.79–5.98%), while the agriculture-dominated Ljukovo catchment (76.85% agricultural land) recorded the lowest organic matter content (3.89%) due to increased sediment displacement and reduced erosion resistance. These findings underscore the critical role of vegetation in regulating sediment dynamics and enhancing organic matter retention in small water reservoirs. To mitigate excessive organic matter deposition and improve water quality, sustainable watershed management strategies—such as vegetation buffer strips, afforestation, and erosion control measures—are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems)
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27 pages, 4415 KB  
Article
Using a Hydro-Morphic Classification of Catchments to Characterise and Explain High Flow and Overbank Flood Behaviour
by Amir Mohammad Arash, Kirstie Fryirs and Timothy J. Ralph
Geosciences 2025, 15(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15040141 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 815
Abstract
The morphological characteristics of catchments are key controls on how flow is routed through catchments and the spatial and temporal dynamics of floods, therefore influencing the shape of hydrographs at any location. Here, we developed a hydro-morphic catchment classification to understand the extent [...] Read more.
The morphological characteristics of catchments are key controls on how flow is routed through catchments and the spatial and temporal dynamics of floods, therefore influencing the shape of hydrographs at any location. Here, we developed a hydro-morphic catchment classification to understand the extent to which various catchment characteristics act as controls on flood behaviour. The catchment characteristics include: size (as measured by gauge position in catchment and valley confinement at the gauge site), shape (elongation ratio and form factor), topography (catchment relief and longitudinal slope), and drainage network structure (drainage density). A total of 2452 high flow (near bankfull) and overbank flood hydrographs from rivers in 17 coastal catchments of New South Wales (NSW), Australia were used. Cluster analysis on hydrograph shape metrics of kurtosis, skewness, and rate-of-rise was performed to identify classes of hydrographs and their median shape. Three statistically distinct clusters were delineated for both high flows and overbank floods, and categorised as flashy, intermediate, and broad. Topographic characteristics of catchments (i.e., relief and longitudinal slope) were commonly among the dominant controls for all high flow and overbank flood hydrographs, excluding broad overbank floods. Drainage network structure (i.e., drainage density) also controlled flashy and intermediate high flows, and intermediate and broad overbank floods, while catchment size (i.e., gauge position in the network) influenced broad high flows. Catchment shape (i.e., elongation ratio) influenced broad overbank floods, and is a dominant control on flashy high flows, and intermediate and broad overbank floods. Overall, topographic controls were more useful for differentiating the hydrological behaviour of high flows relative to overbank floods. Understanding the relative control of different catchment morphometric characteristics on flow and flood behaviour can be used to identify the aspects of flood behaviour that are set by imposed controls and cannot therefore be realistically manipulated in management. A hydro-morphic classification can also be used in the design and calibration of hydrological models, tailoring their use to hydro-morphic catchment class. Full article
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18 pages, 10230 KB  
Article
Assessment of Surface Water Spatiotemporal Changes and Reservoir-Based Droughts in Small and Medium-Sized Reservoirs in China
by Zhenzhen Li, Shuyuan Xu, Changyan Li, Jine Lei, Dekun Tan and Li Tang
Water 2025, 17(7), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071104 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 607
Abstract
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of surface water area changes in 9235 small and medium-sized reservoirs across China from 1985 to 2021. Using Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite data, our investigation delved into the spatiotemporal changes in these reservoirs and explored [...] Read more.
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of surface water area changes in 9235 small and medium-sized reservoirs across China from 1985 to 2021. Using Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite data, our investigation delved into the spatiotemporal changes in these reservoirs and explored reservoir-based droughts. Using a robust algorithm, we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of surface water area (SWA) change on a national scale. While cumulative SWA remained stable at the national level, our analysis revealed diverse variations in individual catchments. To improve our understanding of reservoir-based hydrological drought, we introduced the Standardized Area Index (SAI). This index serves as a metric for quantifying drought severity and reveals a distinct north–south divide in China. The study shows that water-scarce northern regions experience prolonged and severe droughts, necessitating increased conservation efforts. Conversely, the water-rich southern region prioritizes increasing reservoir capacity. Our findings underscore the importance of small and medium-sized reservoirs in shaping China’s water resources landscape. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the nuanced characteristics of droughts, facilitating the development of regionally tailored water management strategies. Full article
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13 pages, 4706 KB  
Data Descriptor
River Restoration Units: Riverscape Units for European Freshwater Ecosystem Management
by Gonçalo Duarte, Angeliki Peponi, Pedro Segurado, Tamara Leite, Florian Borgwardt, Andrea Funk, Sebastian Birk, Maria Teresa Ferreira and Paulo Branco
Data 2025, 10(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/data10040046 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 796
Abstract
Freshwater habitats and biota are among the most threatened worldwide. In Europe, significant efforts are being taken to counteract detrimental human impacts on nature. In line with these efforts, the MERLIN project funded by the H2020 program focuses on mainstreaming ecosystem restoration for [...] Read more.
Freshwater habitats and biota are among the most threatened worldwide. In Europe, significant efforts are being taken to counteract detrimental human impacts on nature. In line with these efforts, the MERLIN project funded by the H2020 program focuses on mainstreaming ecosystem restoration for freshwater-related environments at the landscape scale. Additionally, the Dammed Fish project focuses on one of the main threats affecting European Networks—artificial fragmentation of the river. Meeting the objectives of both projects to work on a large, pan-European scale, we developed a novel spatial database for river units. These spatial units, named River Restoration Units (R2Us), abide by river network functioning while creating the possibility of aggregating multiple data sources with varying resolutions to size-wise comparable units. To create the R2U, we set a methodological framework that departs from the Catchment Characterization and Modelling—River and Catchment Database v2.1 (CCM2)—together with the capabilities of the River Network Toolkit (v2) software (RivTool) to implement a seven-step methodological procedure. This enabled the creation of 11,557 R2U units in European sea outlet river basins along with their attributes. Procedure outputs were associated with spatial layers and then reorganized to create a relational database with normalized data. Under the MERLIN project, R2Us have been used as the spatial analysis unit for a large-scale analysis using multiple input datasets (e.g., ecosystem services, climate, and European Directive reporting data). This database will be valuable for river management and conservation planning, being particularly well suited for large-scale restoration planning in accordance with European Nature legislation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Intersection Between Macroecology and Data Science)
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15 pages, 4953 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Torrential Erosion Control Structures (Check Dams) Under Post-Fire Conditions—The Importance of Immediate Construction
by Alexandros Theofanidis, Aristeidis Kastridis and Marios Sapountzis
Land 2025, 14(3), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030629 - 16 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1112
Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of torrential erosion control structures (concrete check dams) to mitigate post-fire sediment transport within the Seich Sou Forest in Thessaloniki, Greece. Four years after the fire of 1997, which burned 68% of the forest, check dams were constructed [...] Read more.
This study examines the effectiveness of torrential erosion control structures (concrete check dams) to mitigate post-fire sediment transport within the Seich Sou Forest in Thessaloniki, Greece. Four years after the fire of 1997, which burned 68% of the forest, check dams were constructed (in 2001) to control erosion and sediment transport in the catchments of Eleonas and Panteleimon. In 2022, our team conducted field surveys, in which the size, effective storage capacity, and siltation of 40 check dams were recorded. The results revealed that the dams stored 14.36% and 18.81% of their total effective capacity in the Eleonas and Panteleimon catchments, respectively, with average annual erosion levels of 0.33 t/ha/year and 0.21 t/ha/year. These low rates of erosion could be attributed to the shallow, rocky soils and rapid post-fire vegetation recovery. However, this study highlights that timely construction of check dams immediately after the fire could have significantly increased their effectiveness. The results showed that if the dams were constructed immediately after the fire, they would retain 6.17 t/ha/year (Eleonas) and 7.08 t/ha/year (Panteleimon), during the first three post-fire years. These values of erosion are in agreement with previously published studies in Mediterranean ecosystems. This study highlighted the importance of the timely construction of post-fire erosion control structures to increase sediment storage and reduce soil transportation. Full article
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