We formulated five proposals to improve specifications of flood hazard reduction projects and five proposals to preserve the river ecosystem functions, based on literature and authors' experience. Starting from these, we established a conceptual approach using the notion of riverscape, with related function richness and bioassessment tools.We defined four riverscape types based on the gradient of artificialness, from type I (impervious bed) to type IV (less than 30% or no artificial bed). To apply our approach to dry dam designs, we individualized different parts of dry dams and characterized them by an ideal riverscape type, according to the hydraulic constraints of each part.Type I is unavoidable in the bottom outlet, and types I or II at the foot of the dam.Types III (30% -50% of artificial bed) and IV were recommended at upper and lower parts of the dam, according to the risk of bank erosion and need for bank reinforcements. The approach appeared efficient to help biologists and hydraulic practitioners work together, and find technical solutions complying with both flood protection and biodiversity preservation requirement.
Channel response to dam removal is still poorly understood, as there is a lack of monitoring data. A small dam in the gravel bed Krzczonówka Stream was lowered in 2014 as the first in the Polish Carpathians. The paper describes the direction and magnitude of channel changes after the check dam lowering against the backdrop of slow changes in the riverbed occurring over a period of several decades. Geomorphologic mapping and geodetic measurements started in 2013 and were repeated in 2014. Archived cartographic sources were used to identify channel morphology in the past. After the studied check dam had been partially lowered, a flood occurred and caused movement of sediment from the reservoir into the channel downstream. Debris filled pools and artificial riffles were created in 2013-the largest deposition occurred just below the dam. The channel width also increased in this area. The channel reach upstream from the dam was incised. Additional gravel supply is limited because of a sequence of drop structures just upstream of the studied reach. Long-term channel evolution after dam lowering depends on flood events and the availability of material for fluvial transport.
Natural riffles are formed as a result of fluvial processes in the stream channel, water flow, and sediment movement. In recent years, artificial riffles have also been constructed in order to improve the water flow and sediment transport as well as to initiate the processes that lead to the restoration of natural riffle-pool sequences. In river engineering, the utilization of artificial riffles (rapid hydraulic structures) is still in its experimental stage. Artificial riffles are studied and described in the literature on a case study basis. However, the studies on riffle sequences and their effects on stream channel evolution need to be improved. A system of artificial riffles was created in the mouth section of Krzczonówka Stream in 2013. The new riffles made the stream channel more morphologically diverse and also reduced its longitudinal slope. The check dam on the stream, located upstream of the newly formed riffles, was renovated and lowered in 2014. At this time, a flood occurred and released a large mass of sediment downstream of the check dam. Then, the sediment settled in the sections between the artificial riffles, thus covering some of them. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the system of riffles on the changes in sediment transport and water flow in the studied stream channel. Calculations indicate that the system of riffles established downstream of the check dam has limited the movement of sediment. The sediment transport is varied throughout the studied stream course and is mostly dependent on the sediment supply.
The research was conducted on the Krzczonówka River channel, one of the gravelbedded, regulated mountain river in Polish Carpathians. The main morphological and ecological problem of the river was lack of sediment and channel downcutting. The area is currently associated with an ongoing project called "the Upper Raba River Spawning Grounds". Lowering of an existing debris dam on Krzczonówka River is a part of the project. In 2013 twelve artificial riffles have been created by heaping up stones at points within the segment of the river channel below the debris dam. The riffles are to introduce variety to the longitudinal profile of the river and to reduce the river's slope. Consequently, these are to decrease sediment transport and to prevent further deepening of the river channel. Post-project monitoring of river restoration works is conducted to determine channel changes and development. In May, 2014, extreme flooding occurred, which caused unexpected changes in channel development. This paper describes maintenance work performed in the riverbed of the Krzczonówka River. Observations and calculations concerning changes in conditions of water flow and sediment transport are also presented. The main purpose is to characterize the influence of an extreme flow event on morphology and functioning of the recently restored gravel-bed river.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.