River Science: Research and Management for the 21st Century

River Science is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field at the interface of the natural sciences, engineering and socio–political sciences. It recognises that the sustainable management of contemporary rivers will increasingly require new ways of characterising them to enable engagement with the diverse range of stakeholders.

This volume represents the outcome of research by many of the authors and their colleagues over the last 40 years and demonstrates the integral role that River Science now plays in underpinning our understanding of the functioning of natural ecosystems, and how societal demands and historic changes have affected these systems. The book will inform academics, policy makers and society in general of the benefits of healthy functioning riverine systems, and will increase awareness of the wide range of ecosystem goods and services they provide.

David Gilvear is a Professor of River Science at the University of Plymouth, UK. His river research has been at the hydrology, geomorphology and ecology interface within a geographically–led space–time framework – inspired by his PhD supervisor, Professor Petts. The majority of research has been in response to catchment specific, national or global issues in river management and as such he has worked with industry, environmental bodies and regulatory authorities.

Malcolm Greenwood is an ecologist, with a special interest in entomology, and is now retired from Loughborough University. He has worked closely with Professor Petts over many years, bringing together the biological principles appropriate to our understanding of contemporary and palaeo river systems, including the changes brought about by river engineering and management practices.

Martin Thoms is a Professor of River Science at the University of New England, Armidale, Australia. He believes the most exciting research is undertaken at boundaries the boundaries between different disciplines, the science–management–policy boundary and the boundaries between rivers and their floodplains. His research in this domain has occurred in both national and international settings.

Paul Wood is Professor of Ecohydrology at Loughborough University, UK. His research encompasses the disciplines of hydrology, ecology, geomorphology and environmental management to address contemporary questions in River Science. His research is centred on environmental flows and the effects of disturbances in surface and groundwater dominated systems.