The environment of rivers is a frequently changing and complex phenomena. Bank erosion and intensive channel evolution are fundamental processes of fluvial geomorphology that are usually recognized as natural hazards, especially by the agricultural and urban-planning sectors. On the other hand, as a new sediment source it could provide a positive effect on ecological diversity of the riparian and floodplain regions since it can modify the amount of contaminants and nutrients in the river ecosystems. Lateral erosion and sediment-supply changes drive channel planform change and modify landscapes through feedback processes at a variety of spatial and temporal scales.
The aim of this research area is an aspiration for better understanding of spatio-temporal channel dynamics with special focus on lateral bank erosion in order to improve the effectiveness of river-restoration strategies. A wide range of methodologies have arisen in recent decades; thus, the justification of the novel approaches should be evaluated well.
The main goal of this session is to bring together scholars conducting innovative research. Therefore, worldwide contributions are appreciated with a particular focus on fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, geology, and river engineering, dealing with the following topics:
i) Variation of bank-erosion processes in different geomorphic zones and scales (mountains, pediment surfaces, alluvial plains, delta regions).
ii) Natural and anthropogenic factors controlling bank erosion and river-planform evolution (the roles of climate, hydrodynamics, bank material, sediment supply, floodplain land-use change, river engineering, etc.).
iii) Applied methodologies in advanced bank erosion monitoring (applications of GIS, remote sensing and novel ‘structure-from-motion’ point-cloud generation technology complementary to geodetic approaches i.e. TLS, LiDAR, RTK, total station).
iv) Accurate prediction? Certainties vs. Uncertainties in bank erosion and river channel migration modelling approaches.
v) Bank retreat: a Threat or an Opportunity?
vi) Socio-economic effects of channel movements.
vii) The relationship between channel movement and biodiversity.
Finally, we hope to develop in this session an interesting and constructive debate, which improves the future prospective (theoretical and practical) of the scientific community related to fluvial geomorphology or river engineering, to generate knowledge useful for societal applications.