Abstract
This review paper summarizes the ecological effects of the use of floodplains and flood retention basins to control river flow in the River Rhine (Rhein) valley. Early River Rhine regulation strategies including channel straightening are assessed. The subsequent disappearance of alluvial hardwood forests has been highlighted as the major disadvantage. The response of trees to more recent strategies such as ecological flooding is also assessed. Water quality and habitat improvements due to these ecological control techniques are identified as effective. The development of flood retention basin classification methodologies and floodplain management decision support systems particularly for the upper River Rhine Valley is recommended. The purpose is to aid communication among engineers and scientists, and to promote a holistic, integrated and international water resources management strategy, which would be relevant not only for the River Rhine valley but also for similar rivers in a temperate climate.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 171-187 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Studies |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Classification schemes
- Flooding
- Floodplain
- Nutrients
- River Rhine (Rhein)
- River regulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Ecology
- Waste Management and Disposal
- Pollution
- Computers in Earth Sciences