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6581396 
Book/Book Chapter 
Urbanizing River Channels☆ 
Chin, A; Gregory, KJ; O’Dowd, AP 
2020 
Elsevier 
Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences 
Urbanization changes fluvial systems more drastically than any other single human activity. This chapter outlines approaches to the study of urbanization in river channels, including the nature of the urbanization process, alterations of the surface land cover, changes in hydrologic and sediment regimes, and resulting responses and adjustments in channel morphology. Morphological adjustments can produce urban channels up to 15 times larger than their natural counterparts. These responses and their management vary with climate regimes and areas. Increasing application of the range of techniques of urban storm water management focuses on the channel in the context of the entire basin. Opportunities for fluvial geomorphology involving a holistic multidisciplinary approach, with restoration where feasible, are compatible with a sustainable urban future. 
Channel adjustment; Channel enlargement; Channel restoration; Human impact; Urban fluvial geomorphology; Urban stream hazards; Urban stream syndrome