Relevance of geomorphology in exploitive and sustainable management of water resources in the Durance River, France

摘要

Management of water resources has hitherto been largely exploitive. This kind of development induces adverse geomorphological and ecological adjustments leading to environmental degradation. Two major floods in 1994 caused considerable concern in the Durance valley, France, prompting extensive engineering and ecological investigations. Understanding these biophysical "diagnostics" is important to develop more environmentally sustainable management strategies. Data presented show morphological changes from 1930 to 1994, and future changes in the lower 140 km of this channel.