Author(s): Marcos Sanz Ramos; Virginia Ruiz-Villanueva; Ernest Blade

Linked Author(s): Marcos Sanz Ramos, Virginia Ruiz-Villanueva, Ernest Bladé I Castellet

Keywords: Numerical modelling; Eco-hydraulic; Large wood transport; Iber

Abstract: Large wood (LW) naturally occurs in rivers and plays an important role in shaping their form, flow, and ecosystems. It helps create and maintain fish habitats by changing how water moves and where it flows. Recent studies have used computer models to better understand how LW moves and interacts with water, including how logs float, collide, and settle. These interactions can change water depth, velocity, and energy, which in turn affect the weighted usable area (WUA) — a measure of how suitable different parts of a river are for fish and other aquatic life. Using numerical tools such as the Iber model, a first study about how LW affects habitat conditions is presented, especially during periods of low flow that are critical for defining ecological water needs. The results show that considering LW is essential for a more complete understanding of river habitats and that more research is needed to fully grasp its influence on river ecosystem s.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.164

Year: 2026