Geomorphology & Hydromorphology

Hydromorphology Assessment

Hydromorphology is a term used in river basin management to describe the hydrological (water flow, energy etc) and geomorphological (surface features) processes and attributes of rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) dictates that the ecology of surface waters is protected by correctly managing their hydrology and geomorphology.

Hydromorphology assessment and prediction requires an evaluation of aquatic habitat composition and the dynamic nature of water bodies and facilitates sustainable restoration.

JBA services include

  • Hydraulic habitat assessment - qualitative assessment of hydraulic habitats present to form a baseline for WFD compliance
  • Fluvial Dynamic Audit - expert assessment of the present and likely future dynamics of a water body linked to proposed interventions linked to the need to demonstrate system stability in line with the WFD requirements
  • Expert assessment of the impact of intervention on system hydromorphology based on likely geomorphic change and natural river analogues
  • Quantitative 2D modelling of current and portenial future hydraulic habitats allowing comparison of the effects of intervention to be evaluated
  • Informed input to current restoration practive aligned with assisted natural recovery principles
  • Integration of hydromorphology with site specific fisheries ecology to generate impact assessments following hydromorphological modification.
With the benefit of JBA's research development in this field we can now offer a range of hydromorphological tools designed to assess and interpret all aspects of intervention linked to:
  • Channel redesign
  • Scour assessments
  • Structure removal
  • Flod regime modification
  • Fisheries and habitat management

Fluvial Geomorphology Assessment

This service includes rapid geomorphological assessments of specific, small sale problems from bank instability to an icrease in flood risk associated with excessive sediment accumulation. JBA services include:

  • Catchment baseline surveys to provide the context required to ensure regional integration and sustainability of proposed management options
  • Fluvial audits to improve understanding of sediment budget and channel stability on a reach-by-reach scale
  • Analysis of hydraulic and sediment dynamics to quantify the extent of on-going or potential sediment problems
  • Restoration to provide a catchment scale vision for restoring the functioning and structure of river forms and processes that are characteristic of a particular river type
  • Channel restoration design based on current best -practice methods so that designs are innovative and sustainable but practical
  • River rehabilitation to improve riverine habitiat diversity and overall condition
  • Options appraisal to assess the potential impacts/assist in the design of proposed floodplain or channel works
  • Post-project appraisal, including process and form monitoring
  • Hydromorphic audit