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102-0287-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-BAUG
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Fluvial Systems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Molnar
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:47

Abstract

The course presents an integrated view of the river basin and fluvial system. The fluvial system is viewed in terms of the dynamics in the transfer of water and sediment, the resulting geomorphology of the river network and streams, and finally the basin and river management options for conservation and restoration.

Objective

The goal of the course is to develop process-understanding of fluvial systems and to introduce the students to appropriate analysis tools.

Content

In the first section the estimation of basin sediment supply from upland sheet, rill and gully erosion, and basin sediment yield are discussed. The second section focuses on sediment transport in rivers in general, e.g. basic mechanics of sediment laden flows, bedforms, flow resistance, sediment type and load measurement and estimation, the morphology of rivers. It is illustrated how the river network can be analysed in terms of its connectivity and topological characteristics. Channel stability and channel erosion modelling are discussed. The third section looks at fluvial system management in terms of engineering and nonstructural sediment (e.g. upland and channel erosion protection) and water (e.g. the importance of the natural streamflow regime on riverine ecosystem integrity, river rehabilitation) resource management.

Resources

Lecture Notes

There is no script.

Literature

Study materials (lecture handouts and selected papers) are distributed in class and available on the web.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Übungen, Berichte, Vorträge während des Semesters gelten gleichzeitig als Semesterleistung. Die Gesamtnote ergibt sich zu 40% aus der Benotung der Semesterleistung und zu 60% aus der Benotung der mündlichen Sessionsprüfung. Eine bestandene Semesterleistung muss bei einer Wiederholung der Sessionsprüfung nicht wiederholt werden. Die Übungen/Berichte/Vorträge dürfen auf Deutsch oder Englisch verfasst werden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Fluvial Systems
  • Wed 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 6)
2 h weekly

Offered In