Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology provides an accessible introduction to the study of river landforms and the processes that shape them. Rivers are significant geomorphological agents which show an amazing diversity of form and behaviour, reflecting the wide range of environments in which they are found. Highly dynamic in nature, river channels adjust and evolve over timescales that range from seconds to tens of thousands of years. This book examines how river systems operate and respond to change and why this understanding is needed for successful river management. The book provides a coherent overview of the main concepts in fluvial geomorphology, together with recent developments in river channel management, clearly illustrating why an understanding of fluvial geomorphology is vital in channel preservation, environmentally sensitive design and the restoration of degraded river channels. Starting with an introduction to the fluvial system, the book moves on to cover: Flow and sediment regimes: flow generation; flow regimes; sediment sources, transfer and yield. Channel processes: flow characteristics; processes of erosion and sediment transport; interactions between flow and the channel boundary; deposition. Channel form and behaviour: controls on channel form; channel adjustments; floodplain development; form and behaviour of alluvial and bedrock-influenced channels.

Response to change: how the system responds to chan≥ reconstructing past changes; impacts of climate change, human activity, tectonics and base-level change. River management: the fluvial hydrosystem; environmental degradation; environmentally sensitive engineering techniques; river restoration; the role of the fluvial geomorphologist. Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology is an indispensable text for undergraduate students. It provides straightforward explanations for important concepts and mathematical formulae, backed up with conceptual diagrams and appropriate examples from around the world to show what they actually mean and why they are important. A colour plate section also shows spectacular examples of fluvial diversity.