Fluvial Systems in the Anthropocene: Process, Response and Modelling

This book explores the factors affecting fluvial systems,processes governing them,and geospatial and geo-ecological modeling to understand system behavior and restore degraded ecosystems. Human interventions have altered countless fluvial systems,threatening riverine morphology and ecosystems. Maintaining the environmental flow of major rivers is a global challenge to preserve riverine ecosystems and promote sustainable development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 487 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Fluvial systems are intricate networks of rivers, streams, and wetlands that play a vital role in shaping the Earth's landscape and supporting diverse ecosystems. These systems are influenced by a multitude of factors, including climate, geology, topography, and human activities. This book delves into the complex dynamics of fluvial systems, exploring the processes that govern their behavior, the responses they exhibit to human-nature interventions, and the use of geospatial and geo-ecological modeling to better understand and restore degraded ecosystems around the globe.

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have settled along riverbanks, taking advantage of the hydrological and agro-ecological benefits these ecosystems provide. The ancient ecumene, or settlements, were located near major rivers worldwide, reflecting the significance of rivers in human civilization. This legacy continues to this day in various forms, from traditional river-based cultures to modern urban centers that rely on river systems for transportation, water supply, and waste disposal.

However, the Anthropocene era has brought about significant changes to fluvial systems. Human interventions, such as the construction of large-scale dams and barrages, changes in land use and land cover, road-stream crossings, mining of sand and gravel, mushrooming of brickfields, expansion of modern agriculture, industrial growth, and urbanization, have altered countless fluvial systems. These interventions have led to morphological changes in rivers, water pollution, eutrophication, and related damages to aquatic organisms.

The major threats to fluvial systems arise from human-induced morphological changes, water pollution, eutrophication, and the associated damages to aquatic organisms. These threats have significant impacts on the health and functioning of riverine ecosystems, affecting their biodiversity, productivity, and resilience. Maintaining the environmental flow of the world's major rivers is crucial to preserve the proper functioning of these ecosystems and promote sustainable development.

Fluvial systems are complex and dynamic systems that require a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and management. Geospatial and geo-ecological modeling are powerful tools that can help researchers and policymakers analyze and simulate the behavior of fluvial systems, identify areas of degradation, and develop effective restoration strategies. These models can incorporate a wide range of data, including satellite imagery, hydrological and meteorological data, and ecological information, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system's behavior.

In conclusion, fluvial systems are vital components of the Earth's ecosystems, and their health and functioning are closely linked to human well-being and sustainable development. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors affecting fluvial systems, the processes that govern their behavior, the responses they exhibit to human-nature interventions, and the use of geospatial and geo-ecological modeling to better understand and restore degraded ecosystems. By recognizing the importance of fluvial systems and taking proactive ecosystems, we can work towards preserving these valuable resources for future generations.

Weight: 922g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031111808
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022