Physical and biological controls on fine sediment transport and storage in rivers
- Wilkes, Martin A
- Gittins, Joshua R.
- Mathers, Kate L
- Mason, Richard
- Casas-Mulet, Roser
- Vanzo, Davide
- Mckenzie, Morwenna
- Murray-Bligh, John
- England, Judy
- Gurnell, Angela
- Jones, J. Iwan
DOIAbstract
Excess fine sediment, comprising particles <2 mm in diameter, is a major cause of ecological degradation in rivers. The erosion of fine sediment from terrestrial or aquatic sources, its delivery to the river, and its storage and transport in the fluvial environment are controlled by a complex interplay of physical, biological and anthropogenic factors. Whilst the physical controls exerted on fine sediment dynamics are relatively well-documented, the role of biological processes and their interactions with hydraulic and physico-chemical phenomena has been largely overlooked. The activities of biota, from primary producers to predators, exert strong controls on fine sediment deposition, infiltration and resuspension. For example, extracellula...
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