Experimentation at the interface of fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology and hydraulic engineering and the development of an effective, interdisciplinary river science

摘要

One ‘2020 vision’ for fluvial geomorphology is that it itsalongside stream ecology and hydraulic engineering as a keyelement of anintegrated, interdisciplinary river science. A challenge to this vision is that scientists from these three communitiesmay approach problems from different perspectives with different questions and have different methodological outlooks. Refininginterdisciplinary methodology is important in this context, but raises a number of issues for geomorphologists, ecologists andengineers alike. In particular, we believe that it is important that there is greater dialogue about the nature of mutually-valuedquestions and the adoption of mutually-acceptable methods. As a contribution to this dialogue we examine the benefits andchallenges of using physical experimentation in flume laboratories to ask interdisciplinary questions. Working in this arena presentsthe same challenges that experimental geomorphologists and engineers are familiar with (scaling up results, technical difficulties,realism) and some new ones including recognizing the importance of biological processes, identifying hydraulically meaningfulbiological groups, accommodating the singular behaviour of individuals and species, understanding biological as well as physical stimuli, and the husbandry and welfare of live organisms. These issues are illustrated using two examples from flume experiments designed (1) to understand how the movement behaviours of aquatic insects through the near-bed flow field of gravelly river beds may allow them to survive flood events, and (2) how an understanding of the way in which fish behaviours and swimming capability are affected by flow conditions around artificial structures can lead to the design of effective fish passages. In each case, an interdisciplinary approach has been of substantial mutual benefit and led to greater insights than discipline-specific work would have produced. Looking forward to 2020, several key challenges for experimentalists working on the interface of fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology and hydraulic engineering are identified. Copyright 2009 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.