Unit characterisation

Geomorphic unit

Aim

Identification of the type and abundance of geomorphic units present and interpret their significance in relation to reach-scale morphodynamics

Data layers and hydromorphologically relevant parameters

Remotely-sensed data sets (including Google Earth) can provide initial assessments. Lidar is excellent for identifying units beneath vegetation

Habitat, morphology and riparian surveys provide additional but widely varying information according to the conventions used in different EU member states.

Potential data sources

• Google Earth
• Orthophotos
• Multi-spectral remotely-sensed data
• Lidar data
• National surveys including: Physical habitat surveys, Riparian habitat surveys, Morphological surveys

(Field reconnaissance can provide useful confirmation / additional data)

Characteristics

Information from aerial imagery

Identification of channel and floodplain geomorphic features from aerial imagery

Information from field survey

Information drawn from existing or purpose specific field surveys to: (1) confirm and extend features identified from aerial imagery; (2) identify characteristics that suggest particular trajectories of channel changes

More details on the characterisation of geomorphic units can be found in chapter 5 of Deliverable 2.1.