River Variability and Complexity

Supplementary reading for students and researchers on the factors behind river variability.

River Variability and Complexity explores the factors behind the significant variation observed within and between river systems. It provides examples and explanations of river variability, including response to human activities. An excellent summary for students, geomorphologists, geologists, river engineers and those attempting to interpret ancient fluvial deposits or anticipate river behaviour.Rivers differ among themselves and through time. An individual river can vary significantly downstream, changing its dimensions and pattern dramatically over a short distance. If hydrology and hydraulics were the primary controls on the morphology and behaviour of large rivers, we would expect long reaches of rivers to maintain characteristic and relatively uniform morphologies. In fact, this is not the case - the variability of large rivers indicates that other important factors are involved. River Variability and Complexity presents an interesting approach to the understanding of river variability. It provides examples of river variability and explains the reasons for them, including fluvial response to human activities. Understanding the mechanisms of variability is important for geomorphologists, geologists, river engineers and sedimentologists as they attempt to interpret ancient fluvial deposits or anticipate river behaviour at different locations and through time. This book provides an excellent background for graduates, researchers and professionals.