Module 9: Floodplain Forms & Processes

Background

Floodplains make up the vast majority of most riverscapes and represent the largest temporary store of sediment. In this unit, we focus on the primary processses by which floodplains are built and reworked, and how these leave characteristic geomorphic units. We will again reference the Wheaton et al. (2015) Fluvial Taxonomy for geomorphic units, which is an extension and recasting of geomorphic units as described in your book and the River Styles Framework.

Learning Outcomes

1. Confidently read any riverscape and be able to map its core characteristics.
2. Appreciate that topography is a quantitative record of landforms and apply morphometric analysis can be used to map and differentiate those landforms (i.e., geomorphic units).
3. Gain an appreciation of how geomorphic processes of erosion, deposition transport and storage of sediment shape topography and create, maintain, sculpt and destroy distinctive landforms.

Lectures (videos) & Slides

Part 1 - Intro

Part 1 - Lecture Playlist

12 minutes

Slides

Module 9 - Slides

Part 2 - Floodplain Formation Processes

Part 2 - Lecture Playlist

1 hour 4 minutes

Slides

Module 9 - Slides

Part 3 - Floodplain Reworking Processes

Part 3 - Lecture Playlist

51 minutes

Slides

Module 9 - Slides

Part 4 - Floodplain Geomorphic Units

Part 4 - Lecture

33 minutes

Slides

Module 9 - Slides

Part 5 - Energy Spectrum of Floodplains

Part 5 - Lecture

6 minutes

Slides

Module 9 - Slides

Floodplains

Other Resources

Corresponding Chapter in Course Text

From: Fryirs KA, Brierley GA. 2013. Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems: An Approach to Reading the Landscape, First Edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.: Chichester, U.K.

This module focus on: CHAPTER NINE: Floodplain forms and processes

Geomorphic Unit Toolkit

• Geomorphic Unit Toolkit
• GUT Projects in Riverscapes Warehouse

Relevant or Cited Literature

Follow up selected readings suggested by Fryris and Brierley (2013) are provided for every chapter in page 328-3334 of the text book.

2015 Fluvial Taxonomy

• Wheaton J, Fryirs K, Brierley GJ, Bangen SG, Bouwes N, O’Brien G. 2015. Geomorphic Mapping and Taxonomy of Fluvial Landforms. Geomorphology 248 : 273–295. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.07.010
• Williams RD, Bangen S, Gillies E, Kramer N, Moir H, Wheaton J. 2020. Let the river erode! Enabling lateral migration increases geomorphic unit diversity. Science of The Total Environment : 136817. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136817

Other Examples

Meander Migration

Physcial Models

Morphodynamic Models (Numerical Simulations)