Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
6581366 
Book/Book Chapter 
9.39 Urbanization and River Channels 
Chin, A; O'Dowd, AP; Gregory, KJ 
2013 
Academic Press 
San Diego 
Treatise on Geomorphology 
809-827 
Urbanization changes fluvial systems more drastically than any other single human activity. This chapter outlines approaches to the study of urbanization in river channels, the nature of the urbanization process, alterations of the surface land cover, changes in hydrologic and sediment regimes, and resulting responses in channel morphology and in aquatic and riparian systems. Morphological adjustments can produce urban channels up to 15 times larger than their natural counterparts. Implications for river management relate to sophistication levels of urban stormwater management. Opportunities for fluvial geomorphology involving a holistic approach, with restoration where feasible, are compatible with a sustainable urban future. 
Channel adjustment; Channel enlargement; Channel restoration; Human impact; Impervious surface; River channel management; River channels; Urban fluvial geomorphology; Urban stream hazards; Urban stream syndrome; Urbanization effects 
Shroder, John F.