Author(s): Paul Demuth; Volker Weitbrecht; Chantal M. Hischier; Christine Weber; Robert M. Boes; David F. Vetsch

Linked Author(s): Paul Demuth, Volker Weitbrecht, David Vetsch

Keywords: Reach-scale river restoration; Gravel-bed rivers; Edge Density; Shannon's Diversity Index

Abstract: River restoration aims to re-establish geomorphic and ecological processes in degraded channels, for instance by channel widening in gravel-bed rivers. This study investigates how two different initiation measures (initial widening and initial side channel) affect morphological development and habitat complexity over time. Laboratory flume experiments combined with 2D hydrodynamic simulations provide detailed hydraulic data. Habitat complexity is quantified using two landscape metrics - Edge Density and Shannon's Diversity Index. Results show that the initial widening setup gradually increases habitat complexity as channel migration progresses, while the side channel configuration generates and maintains high complexity from the very beginning. The study demonstrates that landscape metrics are a valuable tool for evaluating restoration outcomes and linking morphological dynamics to habitat complexity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.202

Year: 2026