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Geomorphic Services
cbec provides geomorphic services in rivers, estuaries and tidal zones. We conduct field reconnaissance (including Rapid Assessment Methods and `fluvial audits`), geomorphic interpretation and assessment, channel migration analysis, habitat restoration, and GPS mapping of geomorphic features. A thorough understanding of the physical processes involved in tidal and fluvial environments is essential to the design of our projects and at cbec we work hard at understanding these processes. For example, understanding the geomorphic setting of our project sites is essential.
In situations where the system has degraded historically and reached a new equilibrium, we should manage for the new condition.
cbec recently developed the Stream Susceptibility Assessment System (SSAS) based on a three tiered approach:
- Tier 1 involves the development of a combined susceptibility and applicability decision support tool. This includes conducting a watershed scale GIS- and remote sensing-based screening analysis of various methodologies to quantify stream susceptibility to hydromodification.
- Tier 2 involves conducting Rapid Geomorphic Assessments (RGA) for identified and prioritized areas that are screened to have high and low erosion potential in Tier 1. This field-based study also provides calibration and validation for Tier 1.
- Tier 3 identifies key geomorphic thresholds (e.g. relationships between channel slope, median particle size, and drainage area for stable and unstable channels, critical bank heights in various channel materials, channel response to changes in flow and sediment supply, etc.) from comparison of stable and unstable channels.