Fluvial Sediment-transport Processes and Morphology

Rivers convey water and sediment from catchments to the coast through channels that adapt to these flows. Society's concerns about flood management and the potential effects of climate change must thus be matched with knowledge and appropriate management of fluvial sediment processes and the dynamic behaviour of river channels. This paper presents a synthesis of recent developments in our understanding of fluvial sediment processes and morphology, with an additional emphasis on the works of New Zealand researchers. We present frameworks and tools for predicting and interpreting these processes, from small to large scales, and also potential changes in morphology and in-channel sediment storage. The understanding derived from analyses of grain-scale concepts is presented in the context of larger-scale processes and also other aspects of the sediment-flux pathway from catchment to coast. The paper finishes with some comments on present issues and recommendations for research efforts.