The modification of riverine landscapes

Abstract

It is common in many journal articles to refer to riverine landscapes as being among the most extensively modified environments on the planet (Nilsson et al. 2005). This commentary usually occurs within the first paragraph thus drawing attention to significance of this issue and reflecting the increasing interest of disturbance within riverine landscapes. It is not surprising that river scientists have focused considerable effort over last few decades toward understanding the impacts of river modification and improving strategies for management and rehabilitation. While much has been learned during this time, questions still persist on the short- and long-term implications of river modifications, what are the appropriate spatial and temporal scales needed for the study of changes in hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological processes of altered rivers, and the ramifications of multiple stressors on these same processes. It is through continued research that successful management and rehabilitation will be possible across riverine landscapes.