Geomorphic Assessment

Understanding Form and Function-To effectively restore and manage rivers systems, an understanding of the relationship between river forms and processes at various spatial and temporal scales is essential. To that end, our assessments begin with an evaluation at the watershed scale, followed by more detailed analyses at the reach and site scales. An inventory of form, process and function is performed, to gain insight into how the system behaves and responds to natural and anthropogenic impacts. An assessment of how far the system is from a reference condition typically follows, including decisions on whether restoration is achievable, versus rehabilitation to an acceptable level of geomorphic function. This level of understanding is then incorporated into our designs and expectations for the site with respect to geomorphic function over the long-term.