River Variability and Complexity

by Stanley A. Schumm

• ISBN13: 9780521040990
• ISBN10: 052104099X
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-08-27
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Rivers differ among themselves and through time. An individual river can vary significantly downstream, changing its dimensions and pattern dramatically over a short distance. If hydrology and hydraulics were the primary controls on the morphology and behaviour of large rivers, we would expect long reaches of rivers to maintain characteristic and relatively uniform morphologies. In fact, this is not the case - the variability of large rivers indicates that other important factors are involved. River Variability and Complexity presents an interesting approach to the understanding of river variability. It provides examples of river variability and explains the reasons for them, including fluvial response to human activities. Understanding the mechanisms of variability is important for geomorphologists, geologists, river engineers and sedimentologists as they attempt to interpret ancient fluvial deposits or anticipate river behaviour at different locations and through time. This book provides an excellent background for graduates, researchers and professionals.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Background

Introduction

Types of rivers

Non-regime channels

Upstream Controls

History

Tectonics and relief

Lithology

Climate: hydrology

Humans

Fixed Local Controls

Bedrock: alluvium

Tributaries

Active tectonics

Valley morphology

Variable Local Controls

Floods

Vegetation

Accidents

Downstream Controls

Base-level

Length

Rivers and Humans

Applications

Some unintended consequences

River impact on ancient civilisations: a hypothesis

References

Index

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