Geografie 2017, 122, 83-99

https://doi.org/10.37040/geografie2017122010083

The role of foliar litter-fall in forming channel morphology step-pool of high-gradient streams in Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts.

Libor Borák

University of Ostrava, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Ostrava, Czechia

Received July 2015
Accepted May 2016

Channel morphology step-pool represents a morphodynamic complex influenced by large woody debris and litter-fall. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of litter-fall on the channel morphology step-pool. General conclusions regarding the influence of litter-fall on channel morphology step-pool were based on results of geomorphological analyses. The study showed differences between river segments with or without foliaged steps. The pools following foliaged steps have a finer grain size composition of sediment. They are also larger, shallower and have a higher retention capacity. Foliaged steps help to decrease potential energy of water more effectively. If the litter-fall is permanently preserved at the step, it makes it more resistant to extreme water flows. As a result, it enables the development of a fully functional channel morphology step-pool.

References

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