Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Rivers in warm ecoregions, Large rivers
Sedimentation/erosion
| Stressor type | Hydrology / Morphology |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Hydromorphological parameters |
| Responding parameter | Sedimentation/erosion |
Response description
Increasing precipitation in the winter months lead to higher floods which enhance erosion and sedimentation processes in the rivers.
Secondary effects
Invertebrate communities will respond with catastrophic drift.
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Relevant for all large rivers in humid warm ecoregions.
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
Iberian Peninsula (1), Italian Peninsula (3), Dinaric Western Balkan (5), Hellenic Western Balkan (6), Eastern Balkan (7)
Suggested indicator
Frequency and magnitude of floods in winter months.
Justification of indicator
The discharge of most large rivers is already monitored with gauging stations.
Reference(s)
Brookes, C.J., J.M. Hooke et al. (2000): Modelling vegetation interactions with channel flow in river valleys of the Mediterranean region. Catena 40(1): 93-118.
