River Variability and Complexity

by Stanley A. Schumm

• ISBN13: 9780521846714
• ISBN10: 0521846714
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-06-06
• 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 behavior 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 a new 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 behavior at different locations and through time. This book provides an excellent background for graduates, researchers and professionals.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Part I Background
Introduction	3	(6)
Types of rivers	9	(9)
Non-regime channels	18	(21)
Part II Upstream controls
History	39	(11)
Tectonics and relief	50	(9)
Lithology	59	(5)
Climate: hydrology	64	(15)
Humans	79	(18)
Part III Fixed local controls
Bedrock: alluvium	97	(7)
Tributaries	104	(4)
Active tectonics	108	(10)
Valley morphology	118	(9)
Part IV Variable local controls
Floods	127	(6)
Vegetation	133	(5)
Accidents	138	(11)
Part V Downstream controls
Base-level	149	(7)
Length	156	(7)
Part VI Rivers and humans
Applications	163	(10)
Some unintended consequences	173	(9)
River impact on ancient civilizations: a hypothesis	182	(16)
References	198	(21)
Index	219