Review
Environmental Sciences
Mathias Kondolf, Jaeeung Yi
Summary: Dams are important to society but have significant environmental impacts. Sedimentation poses a threat to the sustainability of reservoir storage. Dam renovation, including structural retrofits, fishway retrofits, reservoir reoperation, and sustainable sediment management, is crucial to address environmental concerns and ensure dam sustainability. Dam removal, although discussed frequently, is not a practical solution for most dams.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Remi Loire, Herve Piegay, Jean-Rene Malavoi, G. Mathias Kondolf, Leah A. Beche
Summary: Flushing flows, also known as morphogenic releases, are high-flow releases that mimic floods to remove fine sediment from downstream aquatic habitats. These releases can lead to biophysical changes in channel characteristics to improve aquatic and riparian habitats, but implementing them may face challenges and require practical solutions based on local conditions and stakeholder interests.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Yifei Cheng, Junqiang Xia, Meirong Zhou, Shanshan Deng, Dongyang Li, Zhiwei Li, Zhanwei Wan
Summary: The operation of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir has had significant effects on sediment transport and channel evolution in the Lower Yellow River since 2000. This study found that the channel erosion efficiency in the Lower Yellow River is declining both temporally and spatially, with the braided reach having a higher erosion efficiency than the meandering reach. Various factors, such as incoming flow-sediment regime, riverbed composition, and cross-sectional geometry, influence the channel erosion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Joanna Crowe Curran, Kristen Cannatelli Coveleski
Summary: The study focuses on the channel morphology changes and process responses after dam removal. It found that the sediment composition, flow rates, and erosion rates all play a role in shaping downstream channel morphology, with differences in sediment transport and erosion between gravel, sand, and silt sediments.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Wenkang Meng, Ching-hao Yu, Jia Li, Ruidong An
Summary: In this paper, the authors conducted three-dimensional numerical simulations to study the silted-up dam-break flow striking a rigid structure. They proposed a multiphase model combining kinetic particle theory and computational fluid dynamics. The results showed that the model can effectively capture the flow patterns, sediment movement, and deposition. This study is of great importance for understanding the characteristics and potential hazards of silted-up dam-break flow.
Article
Ecology
Todd H. Buxton, D. Nathan Bradley
Summary: This study examines the evolution of the Trinity River after flow regulation and damming, and finds that unconfined river segments have a greater potential for rearing Chinook salmon fry, while narrower segments may pose higher risks for salmon populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianhua Liu, Zhonghua Yang, Ming Li, Kunkun Lu, Da Li
Summary: In this study, evaluation indicators for concrete grade-control structures (CGCSs) were proposed and validated through flume experiments. The results show that staggered arrangement of CGCS elements provides better protection for riverbed and offers a more stable fish habitat suitability.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Jordan Fields, Carl Renshaw, Francis Magilligan, Evan Dethier, Rebecca Rossi
Summary: Studies on post-disturbance recovery in alluvial channels have shown that the relationship between form and process, as well as the mechanisms driving recovery, are not fully understood. After the removal of a small upland dam in New England, rapid adjustments were observed in the former reservoir and downstream channels followed by relative stability after a 2-year flow, indicating a pattern of two-phase model of channel recovery.
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. J. Major, K. R. Spicer, A. R. Mosbrucker
Summary: The cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 drastically changed the upper North Fork Toutle River valley, leading to the formation of a new channel system. Flood events from 1996 to 2015 have shown that the effectiveness of floods in this environment is influenced by both geomorphic and environmental factors. Strong coupling, local geologic and hydraulic conditions, event sequencing, and possibly a longitudinal gradient in stream power are important factors affecting event effectiveness on channel modification.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. R. Lokin, J. J. Warmink, S. J. M. H. Hulscher
Summary: River dunes, dynamic bedforms in the river bed, can limit navigable depths and increase bed roughness. Predicting the navigable depth and planning maintenance dredging can be done with a numerical dune development model. Different sediment transport models were used to study the effect on dune shape and propagation. The models were able to simulate dune propagation, with shear stress-based models reshaping the dunes. The models reproduced observed dune celerity and realistic dune shapes for low and median discharges.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Jabari C. Jones, Jacob B. Stout, Patrick Belmont, Todd L. Blythe, Peter R. Wilcock
Summary: The Diamond Fork River in central Utah, USA has been heavily impacted by transbasin flows, resulting in significant geomorphic changes. The response of the river channel varied depending on valley confinement and watershed position. The removal of flow augmentation has led to static channel conditions on Sixth Water, while the lower Diamond Fork has experienced dynamic shifting and widening of the channel in response to natural floods. Artificial baseflow has limited channel narrowing and vegetation establishment in the lower Diamond Fork.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Laura G. Perry, Patrick B. Shafroth, Samuel J. Alfieri, Ian M. Miller
Summary: Large dam removals can restore coastal wetland habitats by increasing sediment delivery, but rapid mobilization of stored sediment can also disturb ecological systems. This study examined the impacts of dam removals along the Elwha River in Washington, USA on plant communities in the delta. The results suggest that rapid sediment mobilization during dam removal can expand coastal wetland habitat without negatively affecting established plant communities.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anita Moldenhauer-Roth, Guillaume Piton, Sebastian Schwindt, Mona Jafarnejad, Anton J. Schleiss
Summary: Research shows that sediment detention basins on mountain rivers can effectively trap solid material to reduce flood risks in downstream settlements. It is suggested to design the basins with guiding channels to control sediment passage, and utilize hybrid barrier structures for enhanced sediment retention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEDIMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Gao, Li Chen, Wei Zhang, Xin Li, Quanxi Xu
Summary: This study examined the impacts of the Three Gorges Dam impoundment on the flow process, sediment transport, and river morphology in the downstream reaches of the Yangtze River. Results indicated that characteristic discharge decreased post-dam construction, with significant spatial variations along the river. The study provides valuable insights for assessing the channel-forming capacity of flow-sediment regimes worldwide and predicting river morphology evolution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fikri Ilmi, Barti Setiani Muntalif, Nurul Chazanah, Navisya Eka Sari
Summary: Several studies have found a higher concentration of microplastics in dammed areas, suggesting that in-stream barriers can affect the fate and movement of microplastics. This study measured microplastic concentration and assessed its ecological risk in rivers connected to a dam in West Java Province, Indonesia. The results showed significant differences in microplastic concentration between the upstream and downstream of the first dam, with the highest concentration observed before the dam.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Zhi Zhang, Hossein Ghaffarian, Bruce MacVicar, Lise Vaudor, Aurelie Antonio, Kristell Michel, Herve Piegay
Summary: Wood flux, determined by quantitative data and videography technique, was studied in response to flood and wind events. The study found a threshold for wood motion in the river and highlighted the importance of time between floods in predicting wood fluxes. Additionally, an empirical relation between wood frequency and wood discharge was established to estimate the total wood amount produced by floods, and a random forest regression model was developed to predict wood frequency as a function of flow hydrograph variables.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Severin Hohensinner, Gregory Egger, Susanne Muhar, Lise Vaudor, Herve Piegay
Summary: This study examines the historical river patterns in the European Alps, revealing the widespread presence of multi-channel river reaches throughout the region, while sinuous and meandering channels are comparatively rare. The morphology of river channels is influenced by factors such as slope, floodplain width, and distance from the source. Different countries in the region have implemented varying channelization measures, with human activities directly impacting the morphology of rivers and sediment supply.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Vittoria Scorpio, Herve Piegay
Summary: By reconstructing the evolutionary trajectories and key controlling factors of eight rivers in Italy since the mid-19th century, this study reveals the close relationship between land use disturbances, such as afforestation and deforestation, and channel adjustments. The research highlights the importance of upland afforestation in controlling channel narrowing, especially in southern Italy where floodplain afforestation was not observed. The morphological evolution of rivers, influenced by human activities and climate changes, demonstrates a shift towards higher channel resistance to erosion and sediment deficit in recent years.
Article
Geography, Physical
Leo Szewczyk, Jean-Louis Grimaud, Isabelle Cojan, Herve Piegay
Summary: This study investigates the geometry and architecture of bedload deposits in abandoned channels during channel disconnection in the Ain River, France. The study found that bedload accumulation mainly occurs through the formation of sand bars and lateral accretion of coarse-grained bars, with the channel plug prograding downstream until thickening. The volume of the channel plug is controlled by sediment supply and channel inherited topography, influenced by neighboring channel bends.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Baptiste Marteau, Kristell Michel, Herve Piegay
Summary: Gravel augmentation is a common practice used to mitigate the decline in sediment supply in gravel-bed rivers. However, the functional aspects of river systems are often overlooked in rehabilitation monitoring programs. This study used airborne thermal infrared imagery to monitor the effects of gravel augmentation on three rivers in France and found that restoring forms was not sufficient to restore thermal functions. Despite various degrees of recovery in forms, the thermal regime of the rehabilitated reaches failed to recover. Nonetheless, hydro-morphological indices can be used to estimate long-term evolution of groundwater-surface water interactions.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Baptiste Marteau, Herve Piegay, Andre Chandesris, Kristell Michel, Lise Vaudor
Summary: This study investigates the impact of riparian cover on the presence of weirs in lowland slow-flowing rivers in the Bresse region, France. Using airborne thermal infrared imaging, water temperature, riparian vegetation, and weir location were measured. The results show that riparian vegetation can limit temperature increase during warm events by 2 to 3 degrees C, but the effectiveness varies depending on the rivers' thermal regimes. Rivers with greater thermal alteration show a higher positive response to riparian shading.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Geography
Samuel Dunesme, Herve Piegay, Sebastien Mustiere
Summary: Translation is an important scientific issue for the vectorization of historical maps, which helps to understand territorial changes. This study proposes an automated vectorization procedure using cartographic resources from IGN to track the evolution of river corridors. The Historical Maps Vectorization Toolbox can accurately identify and vectorize river corridor objects.
CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maxine Thorel, Pierre Marmonier, Celine Bertrand, Cecile Claret, Stephanie Fayolle, Maxime Logez, Jean-Michel Olivier, Benjamin Oursel, Antonin Vienney, Herve Piegay, Evelyne Franquet
Summary: The importance of artificial wetlands for the biodiversity of the Rhone River floodplain was evaluated by considering the local characteristics of the wetlands and their connectivity with the main river channel. The study found that connectivity played a major role in the environmental characteristics and benthic invertebrates, while wetland geometry had a greater influence on benthic microbial communities and phytoplankton. Therefore, management and restoration plans should take into account both the connectivity with the river channel and the geometry of wetlands.
Article
Geography, Physical
Hossein Ghaffarian, Bruce MacVicar, Borbala Hortobagyi, Zhi Zhang, Florian Robert, Lise Vaudor, Stephane Petit, Herve Piegay
Summary: Wood is a crucial element in rivers, with both positive and negative effects on natural systems and infrastructure. Various methods have been developed to measure wood flux in rivers, with stream-side video monitoring proving to be effective in providing detailed and continuous wood data. However, there are uncertainties in visually annotating the wood pieces due to observer bias and limited time for annotation. To address these uncertainties, flood events and video segments from two rivers in France were analyzed, revealing differences in detecting small and large wood pieces and the importance of considering wood size when reducing uncertainties caused by the number of pieces. Additionally, a dynamic sampling strategy that depends on flood stage is recommended to account for time limitations in monitoring wood flux.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Depret, Nathalie Thommeret, Herve Piegay, Emmanuele Gautier
Summary: This study examines the lateral mobility of the low-energy meandering gravel-bed Cher River in France. The presence of fluvial engineering works and anthropogenic structures has severely constrained the planform dynamics of the river, reducing its potential for lateral movement. Removing bank protections alone is unlikely to achieve good ecological status for the entire river corridor, but combining it with gravel augmentations may restore local lateral mobility.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julien Godfroy, Jerome Lejot, Luca Demarchi, Simone Bizzi, Kristell Michel, Herve Piegay
Summary: This study assesses the ability of remote sensing to characterize and monitor riparian forest environments, using a combination of hyperspectral, LiDAR, and forestry datasets. The results suggest that remote sensing data can be used to analyze changes in forest conditions and assess forest connectivity in different geomorphic conditions. Furthermore, remote sensing can identify and classify dryer forest patches, making it a valuable tool for monitoring the health of riparian forests under increasing anthropic pressures.
Article
Geography, Physical
Mathieu Cassel, Oldrich Navratil, Frederic Liebault, Alain Recking, Daniel Vazquez-Tarrio, Maarten Bakker, Sebastien Zanker, Clement Misset, Herve Piegay
Summary: This study combined RFID technology and geophone monitoring stations to link the virtual velocity of tracers with seismic activity, hydraulic forcing, and particle properties. The results showed that seismic activity best explained the observed variance of the virtual velocity of particles (81%), compared to discharge (58%) and stream power (63%). Combining control variables in an empirical model, the model explained 89% of the variance and allowed quantification of the portions explained by hydraulic forcing, geophonic activity, and tracked particles. These results demonstrate the high potential of these combined monitoring techniques for investigating bedload processes in rivers of different morphologies at different spatiotemporal scales.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2023)
Review
Geography, Physical
Frederic Liebault, Herve Piegay, Mathieu Cassel, Fanny Arnaud
Summary: This paper provides a review of field and laboratory experiments using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for bedload tracing in rivers. The meta-analysis of data from 459 tracer surveys at 125 study sites demonstrates that RFID tracers have improved our understanding of sediment transport in fluvial environments with rapid bedload dispersion. Recent methodological developments using active ultra-high frequency RFID tags enable efficient bedload tracing experiments in various types of river channels.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Arnaud, A. Paquier, D. Vazquez-Tarrio, B. Camenen, J. Le Coz, K. Michel, G. Naudet, H. Pella, H. Piegay
Summary: Sediment transport is a crucial process that affects river morphology and ecological habitat diversity. This study investigates gravel mobility in the Ain River in Eastern France through the use of PIT-tagged gravels, probabilistic approach, and two-dimensional numerical modeling. The results show that each approach has its strengths and weaknesses, but combining them provides a more comprehensive understanding of river gravel mobility.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Herve Piegay, Fanny Arnaud, Barbara Belletti, Mathieu Cassel, Baptiste Marteau, Jeremie Riquier, Christophe Rousson, Daniel Vazquez-Tarrio
Summary: This article illustrates how geomorphological expertise and process-based thinking contribute to the success of river rehabilitation. It provides references for strategic planning and rehabilitation works based on specific contexts and river responsiveness. Geomorphological studies also offer large-scale information that can be used to diagnose the health of riverscapes in relation to local site-specific contexts.
