IDRAIM: A Methodological Framework for Hydromorphological Analysis and Integrated River Management of Italian Streams

A methodological framework for hydromorphological assessment, analysis and monitoring (named IDRAIM) has been developed with the specific aim of supporting the management of river processes by integrating the objectives of both the Water Framework and Floods Directives. The framework builds on existing and up-to-date geomorphological concepts and approaches, but accounts for the specific Italian context in terms of channel adjustments and human pressures, and includes a component qualitatively addressing the hazards related to fluvial dynamics. The method was designed to be used by environmental or water agencies on a national level. The framework includes the following four phases: (1) catchment-wide characterization of the fluvial system; (2) evolutionary trajectory reconstruction and assessment of present river conditions; (3) prediction of channel evolution; (4) identification of management options.