River Variability and Complexity

Supplementary reading for students and researchers on the factors behind river variability.

Stanley A. Schumm (Author)

9780521040990, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 August 2007

236 pages, 135 b/w illus.
24.5 x 18.8 x 1.2 cm, 0.414 kg

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.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I. Background: 1. Introduction
2. Types of rivers
3. Non-regime channels
Part II. Upstream Controls: 4. History
5. Tectonics and relief
6. Lithology
7. Climate: hydrology
8. Humans
Part III. Fixed Local Controls: 9. Bedrock: alluvium
10. Tributaries
11. Active tectonics
12. Valley morphology
Part IV. Variable Local Controls: 13. Floods
14. Vegetation
15. Accidents
Part V. Downstream Controls: 16. Base-level
17. Length
Part VI. Rivers and Humans: 18. Applications
19. Some unintended consequences
20. River impact on ancient civilisations: a hypothesis
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Limnology [freshwater RBKF]