We adopt a multidisciplinary approach toward the quantitative assessment of juvenile fish habitats in Alpine rivers using analytical modeling. The study focuses on braided and single-thread channel configurations together with their associated hydrodynamic patterns.Adistinct difference between flows in these channels is the number and spatial arrangement of recirculation zones. These are due to the separation of flow from the river banks and result in a higher retention of flow in braided channels. Braided channels were also shown to provide more favourable shelter and nursing conditions for fish larvae and juveniles by mitigating high velocities during floods, by maintaining relatively shallow areas of flow, and by significant adjustments in the thermal regime. A historical analysis revealed a significant reduction of braided reaches along Alpine rivers that have most likely led to a significant degradation of the fish fauna.
Implications of channel processes for juvenile fish habitats in Alpine rivers
SURIAN, NICOLA;
2009
Abstract
We adopt a multidisciplinary approach toward the quantitative assessment of juvenile fish habitats in Alpine rivers using analytical modeling. The study focuses on braided and single-thread channel configurations together with their associated hydrodynamic patterns.Adistinct difference between flows in these channels is the number and spatial arrangement of recirculation zones. These are due to the separation of flow from the river banks and result in a higher retention of flow in braided channels. Braided channels were also shown to provide more favourable shelter and nursing conditions for fish larvae and juveniles by mitigating high velocities during floods, by maintaining relatively shallow areas of flow, and by significant adjustments in the thermal regime. A historical analysis revealed a significant reduction of braided reaches along Alpine rivers that have most likely led to a significant degradation of the fish fauna.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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