Fluvial Geomorphology and River Processes
Sean J. Bennett
Department of Geography
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14261-0055
seanb@buffalo.edu
Areas of interest: Sediment
transport mechanics, turbulent
flow, gully erosion, reservoir
sedimentation, vegetation and
rivers
Andrew Simon
USDA-ARS
National Sedimentation
Laboratory
P.O. Box 1157
Oxford, MS 38655
Andrew.Simon@ars.usda.gov
Areas of interest: Streambank
mechanics, unstable channels,
bank-stability modeling, flow-
energy, regional sediment yields,
stream restoration
Dynamically stable,
multifunctional river corridors
Dynamically unstable, non-
multifunctional river corridors
Impaired or degraded

Dynamically unstable, non-multifunctional river corridors

 Stream Restoration
• The return of an impaired or degraded
river corridor ecosystem to a close
approximation of its remaining natural
potential (as defined by habitat quality,
quantity, species richness/diversity)
• Not to its original or undisturbed condition

Habitat degradation often is driven by

stream channel degradation and instability
 How does one become an effective
practitioner in Stream Restoration?
Fluvial Geomorphology
The processes controlling river channel form and
river channel change, their causes and stimuli,
and their time and space scales

Aquatic Ecology
The biogeochemical interactions between species
and their environment, including ecosystem
assessment and integrity

River Engineering
The geotechnical and hydraulic corrective
measures designed to create a dynamically stable,
multifunctional river corridor
 Goals of Lectures
• Provide an introduction to the main topics
in fluvial geomorphology
• Academic and applied approaches
– Stress physical processes
– Blend of earth science and engineering
• Mix of classic and emerging trends in
fluvial geomorphology
Working knowledge of river processes and forms, river
channel change, and critical concepts of river restoration
 Categories of Lectures
Basic principles in Topical seminars on
fluvial geomorphology fundamental and applied
and river mechanics aspects of river process
and form

Case studies of river Tools and technology

corridor assessment available to assess river
processes and river
channel change
Fluvial Geomorphology and River Processes (1)
Topics Presenter

Introduction Bennett
Fundamental Concepts in Geomorphology Simon
Fluid Flow in Rivers Bennett
Sediment Transport Bennett
Longitudinal Profiles Bennett
Vertical Adjustments and Flow Energy Simon
Flow Resistance and Hydraulic Geometry Bennett
Channel Pattern Bennett
River Meanders Bennett
Confluences and River Networks Bennett
Lateral Adjustments and Bank Mechanics Simon
Sediment Yield and Budgets Bennett
Regional Sediment Yields Simon
Sediment Sources Simon
Fluvial Geomorphology and River Processes (2)
Topics Presenter

Vegetation and Rivers I: Hydrodynamics Bennett

Vegetation and Rivers II: Geotechnical Simon
Bank Stability Model Simon
Channel Models I: 1D, 2D, and Cellular Automata Bennett
Channel Models II: CONCEPTS Simon
Stream Restoration I: Problems and Opportunities Bennett
Stream Restoration II: Disturbance and Evolution Simon
Stream Restoration III: Approaches Simon
Topics in River Assessment and Management Frothingham

Topical Seminars & Case Studies

River Bedforms Bennett
Sedimentation and Flood Control Reservoirs Bennett
Modeling Fluvial Adjustment to Woody Vegetation Bennett
Goodwin Creek Bendway Restoration Simon
 Primary References
• Bridge, J.S., Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes, and Sedimentary
Record, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 2003.
• Julien, P.Y., Erosion and Sedimentation, Cambridge University Press, New
York, 1998.
• Julien, P.Y., River Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, New York,
2002.
• Knighton, D., Fluvial Forms and Processes: A New Perspective, Arnold,
London, 1998.
• Leopold, L.B., M.G. Wolman, and J.P. Miller, Fluvial Processes in
Geomorphology, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco, 1964.
• Morisawa, M.E., Rivers, Longman, New York, 1985.
• Thorne, C.R., R.D. Hey, and M.D. Newson, Applied Fluvial Geomorphology
for River Engineering and Management, Wiley, Chichester, 1997.
• Watson C., Stream restoration slides, Colorado State University.
 Conclusion
• Ecosystem or water quality impairment in rivers
often is intimately associated with stream
channel (dynamic) stability
• Effective practitioners in stream restoration
understand fluvial geomorphology, aquatic
ecosystems, and engineering solutions
• Here we will examine the basic principles of
fluvial geomorphology, complemented by case
studies of river corridors, topical seminars, and
tools and technology