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.

Rivers are important agents of change that shape the Earth's surface and evolve through time in response to fluctuations in climate and other environmental conditions. They are fundamental in landscape development, and essential for water supply, irrigation, and transportation. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geomorphological processes that shape rivers and that produce change in the form of rivers. It explores how the dynamics of rivers are being affected by anthropogenic change, including climate change, dam construction, and modification of rivers for flood control and land drainage. It discusses how concern about environmental degradation of rivers has led to the emergence of management strategies to restore and naturalize these systems, and how river management techniques work best when coordinated with the natural dynamics of rivers. This textbook provides an excellent resource for students, researchers, and professionals in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, river science, and environmental policy.

River Science is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field at the interface of the natural sciences, engineering and socio-political sciences. It recognises that the sustainable management of contemporary rivers will increasingly require new ways of characterising them to enable engagement with the diverse range of stakeholders. This volume represents the outcome of research by many of the authors and their colleagues over the last 40 years and demonstrates the integral role that River Science now plays in underpinning our understanding of the functioning of natural ecosystems, and how societal demands and historic changes have affected these systems. The book will inform academics, policy makers and society in general of the benefits of healthy functioning riverine systems, and will increase awareness of the wide range of ecosystem goods and services they provide.

Rivers and their watersheds constitute some of the most dynamic and complex landscapes. Rivers have sustained human communities, and human societies have utilized and altered river flows in a number of ways for millennia. However, the level of human impact on rivers, and on watershed environments, has become acute during the last hundred years or so. This book brings together empirical research and theoretical perspectives on the changing conditions of a range of river basin environments in the contemporary world, including the history and culture of local societies living in these river basins. It provides theoretical insights on the patterns and nature of the interaction between rivers and their use by human communities. The chapters are written from a variety of positions, including environmental science, hydrology, human ecology, urban studies, water management, historical geography, cultural anthropology and tourism studies. The case studies span different geographical regions, providing valuable insight on the multifaceted interactions between rivers and our societies, and on the changing riverscapes in different parts of the world. Specific detailed examples are included from Australia, Brazil, France, India, Iran, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and USA. Chapter 11 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Originally published in 1977, this is a classic of the geomorphology literature. Erosion, transport, and deposition of sediment within river catchments concern a wide range of earth scientists and profoundly affect land management. Upland soil removal engages the attention of soil conservationists, hydraulic engineers deal with fluvial sediment transport and river channel morphology, and patterns of sediment deposition in riverine and coastal lowlands affect navigability, the habitability of valley floors and the distribution of groundwater and minerals. The author argues persuasively that fluvial geomorphology, sedimentology and stratigraphy provide insights into each of these components of the river basin. "This volume, with its generous illustrations will be welcomed by earth scientists generally. It fills an important niche in the fluvial literature and its lucid style and clear exposition place it well within the range of students in any form of higher education." Nature "As a synthesis of the fluvial system and its effects on the landscape, as a primer in fluvial geomorphology and sedimentation for the planner, engineer and economic geologist, and as a stimulator of geomorphic thought, this book is most valuable." American Scientist Dr. Schumm is an internationally recognized geomorphologist who has published 150 papers and authored and edited 11 books. His primary experience has been in the investigation and analysis of fluvial systems. He has applied the concepts of geomorphology, fluvial hydraulics and geology to analyze alluvial river form and shape, sediment transport and effects of man-induced changes on river systems throughout the United States and in numerous foreign countries. He has also been involved in the interpretation of lunar and Martian landforms. Dr. Schumm is a past Chairman of the Geopmorphology Division of the Geological Society of America, has served on technical and committees of the National Research Council, the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, International Geographic Union, the National Science Foundation and NASA. He has performed research, lectured and advised government agencies around the world.

Experts detail specific river engineering problems and a geomorphic-engineering approach to large river management.