Localized geomorphic effects attributable to the presence of in-channel wood along two Italian gravel-bed rivers: Preliminary results

In-channel wood is one of the most important components of the riverine system. During the last couple of decades many authors reported about its nature, abundance, and distribution as well as the role of wood in sediment entrapment. Despite this, the correlation between the presence of Large Wood (LW) and its capacity to produce localized geomorphic effects such as depositional or erosional forms appears an issue to be investigated. This study aims to relate the LW presence and induced geomorphic effects, considering characteristics of LW and its geomorphic settings. This study was carried out along two Italian gravel-bed rivers, the Piave and the Tagliamento. Along both rivers, 49 wood elements (single pieces or jams) were considered. Regression analysis was carried out to investigate the correlation between the in-channel wood presence and the geomorphic effects observed. This kind of analysis can be really useful to improve management strategies because it permits to better understand the relationship between sediment transport and LW presence.