Geomorphic Assessments of Stream Conditions in Urban Watersheds: The Incised Channel Evolution Model

摘要

The use of the incised Channel Evolution Model (CEM) as the geomorphic component of the comprehensive evaluation of stream conditions in the urban watersheds of Fairfax County, Virginia is discussed. The historical context of the CEM is presented and recent approaches to applying the methodology reported in the literature discussed. The paper also discusses how it is proposed to use the results of the CEM based geomorphic assessment to establish the direction of current trends in disturbed channels for watersheds with different levels of development, with the overall goal of prioritizing restoration activities. Preliminary results available from applying the CEM are presented.