| Popis: |
Characterisation of hydromorphological attributes is crucial for effective river management. In the Philippines, such applications are usually solely based on water quantity and quality. This paper uses the River Styles Framework as an alternative template for identifying the diversity of river morphodynamics as a valuable input to river management. Eight distinct River Styles (river types) were identified in the Bislak catchment (586 km2), north-west Luzon, indicating considerable geomorphic diversity within a relatively small catchment area. Three River Styles in Confined valley settings occupy 57% of the catchment area, another three in Partly-confined valley settings occupy 37%, and two in the remaining 6% are found in Laterally-unconfined valley settings. Five characteristic downstream patterns of River Styles were identified within the tributaries. We find that variation in channel slope for a given catchment area (i.e. total stream power) is insufficient to differentiate the type of river in a given reach. Hence, topographic analyses should be complemented with broader-framed, catchment-specific approaches to predict river character and behaviour. Geomorphologically-informed analyses can support management applications in the Philippines, explicitly incorporating understanding of river diversity and dynamics. |
