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Assessing Restoration Effects on River Hydromorphology Using the Process-based Morphological Quality Index in Eight
B Belletti1,2, L Nardi3, M Rinaldi3
1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. barbara.belletti@polimi.it.
Environmental Management
|November 19, 2017
Summary
The Morphological Quality Index (MQI) and MQIm effectively assess river restoration impacts at the reach scale. These indices show restoration improves river morphology, with outcomes varying by initial conditions and intervention type.
Area of Science:
- River ecology and restoration science
- Geomorphology and hydrological sciences
Background:
- River restoration projects aim to improve ecological and physical conditions.
- Assessing the effectiveness of restoration requires appropriate geomorphological metrics.
- Existing methods may not capture changes at the relevant river reach scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the hydromorphological response to river restoration measures using MQI and MQIm.
- To compare MQI and MQIm with conventional physical-habitat assessment methods.
- To evaluate the suitability of MQI and MQIm for assessing restoration at the reach scale.
Main Methods:
- Application of MQI and MQIm to eight European case studies.
- Assessment of pre- and post-restoration conditions for each restored reach.
- Comparison of restored reaches with adjacent degraded reaches.
Main Results:
- All restoration measures led to improved morphological quality.
- The degree of improvement was influenced by initial conditions, restoration length, and intervention type.
- MQI and MQIm proved effective in evaluating restoration effects at the river reach scale.
Conclusions:
- MQI and MQIm are valuable tools for assessing river restoration effectiveness.
- The reach scale is geomorphologically relevant for evaluating hydromorphological changes.
- Restoration success is context-dependent and influenced by multiple factors.
Keywords:
Fluvial geomorphologyHuman impactHydromorphological assessmentHydromorphological monitoringRiver restorationMore Related Videos
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