Fluvial Ecosystems and their Management
Fluvial processes are associated with rivers and streams, and the deposits and landforms created by them. These processes include erosion, corrosion, saltation, deposition, and suspension. Stream erosion may be the most important geomporphic agent. Fluvial processes sculpt the landscape, eroding landforms, transporting sediment and depositing it to create new landforms. Human civilization and ecosystems are both dependent on fluvial systems. This course will provide an overview of fluvial processes and landforms, interacting physical, chemical and biological components, and the consequences of human-societal activities. By understanding patterns and processes of highly diverse fluvial ecosystems, students should be able to better protect and enhance river and stream quality, ecosystem services, functioning and sustainability.