CHARACTERIZATION OF RIVER CHANNEL ADJUSTMENTS IN THE THAMES BASIN, SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND

The increasing involvement of fluvial geomorphology in river channel management has highlighted the desirability of being able to predict spatially differentiated river channel adjustment in relation to prevailing drainage basin characteristics. An exploratory analysis, using data derived from geomorphological reconnaissance surveys and maps, was carried out with the aim of characterizing river channel adjustments in four catchments within the Thames basin. As many of the variables are categorical in nature, logistic regression is utilized to generate multivariate equations which relate four styles of adjustment to catchment characteristics describing rock type, gradient, land use and channel management. Using only the variables which are statistically significant provides a goodness of fit of around 50%. Geomorphological interpretations of the characterizations are provided and, in general, indicate the varying balance between areally extensive natural controls and more localized human influences in shaping the individual styles of adjustment. In the studied lowland environment it appears that few channels are capable of recovering their sinuosity after channel management, thus highlighting the importance of conserving currently sinuous channels and the restoration of previously straightened reaches. Low gradient rural channels set on Chalk or clay favour deposition and thus may be targeted for maintenance operations. Erosive enlargement of the cross-section is promoted where channel straightening takes place in zones of high gradient; an option which should be minimized to reduce further management expenditure.