Module Objectives

The course of Fluvial Geomorphology is an introduction to drainage networks and drainage basins. Among the main objectives of the course is to empower students in better understanding of fluvial processes (erosion, transportation, deposition) and fluvial landforms.

The basic aim of the course is the understanding of principal evolutionary mechanisms and morphological features of fluvial landforms (river channels, knickpoints, fluvial terraces, flood plains, alluvial fans). Lectures include laboratory tutorial which help students become familiar with practical issues like the calculation of long-term stream incision rates in tectonically active areas, quantitative geomorphological analysis of drainage networks and catchments etc.

The course also considers some of the practical aspects of various methodologies of geomorphological mapping of fluvial landscapes. During the course a one-day field-trip is organised. The aim of the field-trip is the assimilation of the theoretical knowledge and the recognition of fluvial landforms in the field.

Course Content

Lecture: fluvial processes – flow: rain-splash, unconcentrated surface flow, overland flow, Hortonian flow, saturation overland flow, seepage flow, rill flow, subsurface flow. Stream-flow (turbulent flow, laminar flow, Reynold’ s Number, plunging flow). Fluvial erosion: stream power, vertical erosion – incision, lateral erosion, head-ward erosion. Fluvial transport: sediment load (dissolved load, suspended load, bed load).

Fluvial deposition: channel deposits, channel margin deposits, overbank deposits, valley margin deposits. Longitudinal profiles, base level (local – absolute), landscape evolution stages (youth, mature, old, rejuvenation). Fluvial landforms: erosional landforms (rills, gullies, alluvial channels straight – meandering – braided), valleys (V-shaped valley, U-shaped valleys), wind gaps, knichpoints. Depositional landforms: floodplains, fluvial terraces (straths, alluvial, correlation, dating methods), alluvial fans.

Laboratory: Stream ordering of a Greek drainage network, bordering of its drainage basin. Analysis according to the HORTON laws. Estimation of drainage texture parameters (drainage density and frequency). Additionally, stream incision rates during the Upper Quaternary for rivers of the North Peloponnese.

Teaching and Assessment

Duration: 13 lectures and laboratory tutorials 3hours/week. Lectures 1 hour/week and laboratory tutorials 2 hours/week. Tutorial exercises include four exercises handed out during the class (usually every week). It should be mentioned that attendance of the laboratory tutorials is compulsory.

Assessment method is a final exam at the end of the term (50% of the final result). Prerequisite is the implementation of the laboratory works (50% of the final result).