Fluvial Processes

Fluvial processes is a broad category to describe all the flows, fluxes and transformations of ecosystem structures caused by the energy inherent in the flow of water. This Structure-Process-Function framework often used in Puget Sound, was inspired by publications of the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project, but concepts like "process domain" as developed by Montgomery 1999 describe the relative dominance of fluvial processes. Fluvial processes are commonly contrasted to Colluvial Processes which describe hillslope change caused by freeze-thaw, soil saturation and gravity, and both are part of the broader field of Geomorphology. The measurement, assessment, prediction and restoration of normative fluvial processes is central to Salmon Recovery and Restoration.

Notes

• Dam Removal restores multiple fluvial processes such as
• Watershed Planning commonly considers how change in land use affects Hydrology which drives fluvial processes.
• Engineered Log Jams are used as a tactic to restore some fluvial processes in the absence of mature forest in river valleys.