EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, VOL. 20,629-647 (1995) SEDIMENT-RELATED RIVER MAINTENANCE: THE ROLE OF FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY D. A. zyxwvuts SEAR zyxwvuts Department zyxwvutsrqp of Geography, Souihampton University. Highfields, Southampton, zyxwvu SO9 5NH. U.K. M D.NEWSON Department of Geography, Newcastle University, Cluremont Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NEI 7RU, U.K. AND A. BROOKES Thames Region NRA, Napier House, Kings Meadow Road, Reading, RG1 SDQ. U K. Received 27 March 1994 Accepted 26 Novemher 1994 ABSTRACT This paper addresses the role that fluvial geomorphology might play in the management of sediment-related river maintenance in the U.K. Sediment-related river maintenance refers to the operational requirement of river management authorities to remove deposits of sediment or protect river boundaries from erosion, where these compromise the flood defence levels of service. Using data collected as part of a National Rivers Authority (NRA) Research and Development Project it is possible to identify the geomorphic causes of problems, and engineering responses to sediment-related river maintenance (SRRM) in England and Wales. The Project identified the management problem as widespread and often treated in isolation from the causative processes. Geomorphological guidance is shown to be both relevant and comple- mentary to conventional engineering practice through its ability to identify the cause of a SRRM problem. A methodology for conducting a geomorphological survey, or ‘fluvial audit’, is presented, which synthesizes historical data on the catch- ment land-use and channel network, with contemporary morphological maps to present a statement of the location and type of sediment supply, transport and storage within the river basin under scrutiny. The application of geomorphology to two contrasting SRRM problems is explored using case studies from two catchments: the River Sence, a fine sediment system, and the Shelf Brook, a coarse sediment system. KEY WORDS fluvial geomorphology; sediment-related river maintenance; fluvial audit; National Rivers Authority INTRODUCTION: GEOMORPHOLOGY AND RIVER ENGINEERING Fluvial geomorphology and river engineering are converging as each discipline recognizes the benefits of the other. This situation has been brought about by the increasing demands on river managers to enhance the water environment and to develop sustainable strategies. However, the current situation is built on over 300 years of pragmatic engineering, developed within a political environment geared towards the control of the river system. Thus, while engineering practice has enjoyed the patronage of politicians and the aristocracy (permitting the development of respected institutions), fluvial geomorphology has evolved in the academic environment. The product of this disparate evolution is summarized in Table I as a series of opposing perceptions. Clearly, some of these perceptions are mistaken, in particular the view that geomorphology is untried. Experience in the U.S.A. and Europe suggests otherwise, (Keller, 1978; Brookes, 1988) although the examples described are relatively recent. zyxwvu 0 1995 by John Wiley zyxwvutsrqpo & Sons, Ltd CCC 0197-9337/95/070629-20