Author(s): Silvia Quadroni; Livia Servanzi; Paolo Espa

Linked Author(s): SILVIA QUADRONI

Keywords: Alpine river; Hydropeaking; Minimum flow; Channel-flow simulation; Biomonitoring

Abstract: This study investigates the hydraulic characteristics and related ecological conditions of two reaches of the Mera River (Central Italian Alps), mainly differing in terms of streamflow regulation: a residual-flow reach with poorly variable discharges (R1) vs. a reach with larger runoff but subjected to hydropeaking fluctuation (R2). Contrary to the expectations, the considered hydraulic and ecological parameters did not strongly differ between the two reaches during the study year, which was preceded by a sediment pulse and was characterized by a prolonged drought . At both reaches, the ecological status did not achieve the good class, highlighting possible limitations in the current streamflow management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.230

Year: 2026