An evaluation of surface flow types as a rapid measure of channel morphology for the geomorphic component of river condition assessments

Abstract

Riverine assessments of channel morphology and fluvial processes typically involve a time-consuming survey of channel cross sections and longitudinal profiles, expensive aerial imagery, and/or require specialised knowledge. As a result, geomorphic input is not widely included in multiparameter river condition assessments. We were interested in determining if surface flow type observations can be used as a rapid measure of channel morphology and then subsequently be used in river condition assessments to monitor channel change over time.We examined the relationship between flow types (e.g., rippled flow, no perceptible flow) and channel morphology. Two aspects of channel morphology were asses..