River Morphology

Rivers and deltas are subject to high morphological changes, especially if no structural measures prevent natural development. The sediment load of a river is in balance with its run-off and the slope but if sediment load changes, erosion and accumulation processes start. If sediment load decreases the riverbed will erode, if sediment load is higher as this balance, the sediment will be accumulated. Causes for changes in sediment load are either natural reasons or anthropogenic influences such as sand mining or dam constructions. Sand mining has either direct impact (ponds) or indirect by change of sediment load and subsequent erosion processes. The temporal evolution of morphological changes helps to predict how rivers will evolve in future and which areas might be affected by erosion processes. Results can be displayed and provided in different ways – from maps to data sets or extracted information in tabulated form.
This EO capability is linked to Water Infrastructure Planning  because, for example, hydropower dams significantly influence the river run-off and thus the forces within a river and riverbed.