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Fluvial Geomorphology and Natural Channel Design

Cory L. Horton, P.E.


Course Outline

This ten hour online course provides guidance for design of stream restoration projects using Natural Channel Design. After completing the course the student will have a greater understanding of when, where, and how to implement Natural Channel Design. The course content is based on the North Carolina State University Stream Restoration Institute's publication Stream Restoration A Natural Channel Design Handbook (128 pages). This publication introduces the reader to fluvial processes, stream assessment procedures, classification methods, and methods for the design of stream restoration projects.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will understand the following concepts:

FLUVIAL PROCESSES:

STREAM ASSESSMENT AND SURVEY PROCEDURES:

ROSGEN STREAM CLASSIFICATION/CHANNEL ASSESSMENT AND VALIDATION PROCEDURES

PRIORITY OPTIONS FOR RESTORING INCISED STREAMS

DESIGN PROCEDURES

STRUCTURES

RESTORATION EVALUATION AND MONITORING

In addition, the student will be introduced to:

BANKFULL VERIFICATION AND GAGE STATION ANALYSIS

REFERENCE REACH SURVEY

VEGETATION STABILIZATION AND RIPARIAN-BUFFER RE-STABLISHMENT

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANS

FLOOD STUDIES

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMANTION

Intended Audience

This course is intended for practicing engineers, and others, who seek to gain knowledge to implement stream restoration projects.

Course Introduction

Stream restoration is a complex process. The foundation to a successful stream restoration project is recognizing the processes that create a channel with dynamic equilibrium - one that maintains its morphology over time. Natural channel design takes is an alternative approach to traditional engineering. Natural Channel Design focuses on the reestablishment of the natural stability of the channel as well as restoring the structure and function of ecosystems, rather than just the efficient conveyance of water. Fluvial geomorphology is the study of the processes that create channels. Knowledge of fluvial geomorphology allows for the understanding of the underlying problems causing channel instability. Stream assessment, classification, and survey methods are critical for evaluating degraded channels. Stream assessment, classification and survey methods are also needed for setting as target restoration levels (reference reaches) and for monitoring changes to stream systems. Stream restoration projects using Natural Channel Design can produce long-term dynamically stable channels, increase wildlife habitat value, improve water quality, and enhance aesthetics.

Course Content

The purpose of this course is to provide guidance on the design of stream restoration projects using Natural Channel Design. You will be directed to the North Carolina State University Stream Restoration Institute's website to study Stream Restoration a Natural Channel Design Handbook (2003 edition, 2.7MB 128 pages, PDF file format).

You need to open or download above documents to study this course.


Course Summary

Understanding the processes that govern sediment transport and fluvial geomorphology are vital to success of any stream restoration project. Stream degradation caused by human activities is often difficult to reverse. Stream restoration using natural channel design mimics what the system needs to obtain long-term stability. The methods taught in this course present a means to create a channel that maintains its morphology over time while restoring the channel ecosystem to its best state possible.


References

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

USACOE Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory-The Stream Investigation and Streambank Stabilization Handbook
USDA Forest Service A Soil Bioengineering guide for Streambank and Shoreline Stabilization
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines
Wildland Hydrology
USDA Stream Team


Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.