Aims

Rationale: Rivers are a major component of the hydrological cycle and are important agents of erosion, sediment transport and long-term landscape evolution. Over shorter timescales, rivers constitute important natural resources and powerful natural hazards. Understanding of how rivers behave is essential for the management of both low and high flows. This module builds upon first and second year Physical Geography modules to provide detailed insight of fluvial geomorphological processes and forms.

Aim: This module aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of how rivers behave and how fluvial geomorphological processes are managed within a range of environments.

In order to fulfil the above aim you will:

(1) be introduced to a range of fluvial processes;
(2) understand fluvial process-form relationships in a range of environments;
(3) use field data sets to gain understanding of fluvial process-form relationships;
(4) be introduced to a range of cutting-edge techniques and data sources for characterizing fluvial processes and landscapes;
(5) understand how knowledge of flood process can be used to reduce flood risk.

Outline Of Syllabus

Part 1: Fundamentals of fluvial processes

Introduction to Applied Fluvial Geomorphology
UK Flood Hazards
Basics of fluvial flow, stream energy, resistance, shear stress and stream power
Flood generation mechanisms and processes. Flood magnitude and frequency regime.
Quiz on basics of fluvial flow and flood processes.
Sediment transport in rivers I
Sediment transport in Rivers II
Sediment transport videos
Practical 1: Secondary data sets for the River Coquet
Flow monitoring I
Flow monitoring II
Fieldwork River Coquet Day 1
Quiz on sediment transport and flow monitoring

Part 2: Fluvial landforms and deposits

Fluvial processes: bed and bar forms I
Fluvial processes: bed and bar forms II
Bed and bar form videos
Practical 2: Post fieldwork data work up
River channel change
Glacifluvial processes and forms I
Glacifluvial processes and forms II
Practical 3: Post fieldwork data work-up
Characterisation of surface and sub-surface fluvial deposits
Practical 4: Post fieldwork data work up
Report drop-in session.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide an overview of the principals of fluvial geomorphology and its application within a range of environments. Lecture will also introduce each of the guided learning practicals.

Q & A sessions will help student with their understanding of lecture and practical material as well as preparation of the report.

Practicals and fieldwork will be used to introduce students to a suite of primary and secondary data sets as well as the techniques and methodologies to detect and measure fluvial geomorphological change.

Report writing skills are critical skills for students who may wish to pursue a career in Environmental Consultancy (i.e. one that applies the skills and knowledge learnt in this module to the real-world). As such, these transferable skills are an integral component of this module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 2000 word essay assesses lecture material delivered in the first seven weeks of the module with the aim of consolidating understanding of fluvial geomorphological theory.

The 2000 word report assesses the use of secondary data analysis skills and fluvial geomorphological theory in understanding fluvial processes and form.