Channel morphology [Chapter 5]

Abstract

Channel morphology has become an increasingly important subject for analyzing the health of rivers and associated fish populations, particularly since the popularization of channel classification and assessment methods. Morphological data can help to evaluate the flows of sediment and water that influence aquatic and riparian habitat. Channel classification systems, such as the one developed by Rosgen (1994) provide a useful shorthand for summarizing key morphological attributes of a river system. Accordingly, researchers have hypothesized that channel classifications could explain variation in native fish populations in rivers of the Southwest (Rinne and Neary 1997; Rinne 2005). Rosgen’s (1996) full methodology encompasses several levels of analysis arranged hierarchically from a general characterization of a stream basin to detailed measurements of channel change in specific reaches. The second and most popular level (Level II) of the Rosgen (1996) methodology provides a framework for categorizing stream reaches based on channel form and dominant substrate. While this classification is useful for describing variations in channel morphology, critics argue that it is less useful and perhaps even misleading for making inferences about channel condition and processes of development (Miller and Ritter 1996).

Parent Publication

• Synthesis of Upper Verde River research and monitoring 1993-2008

Citation

Long, Jonathan W.; Medina, Alvin L.; Neary, Daniel G. 2012. Channel morphology [Chapter 5]. In: Neary, Daniel G.; Medina, Alvin L.; Rinne, John N., eds. 2012. Synthesis of Upper Verde River research and monitoring 1993-2008. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-291. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 113-133.