Special Issue announcement: Benefits and challenges of large wood in fluvial ecosystems

Special Issue:  Benefits and challenges of large wood in fluvial ecosystems

Left photo (wood at a rack): V. Weitbrecht (2021) Right photo (engineered logjam): I. Schalko (2019)

Special Issue Editors:
Isabella Schalko. Lab. of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zurich, Switzerland. schalko@vaw.baug.ethz.ch
Elizabeth Follett. Hydro-env. Research Centre, Cardiff University School of Engineering, UK. FollettE1@cardiff.ac.uk
Brian Crookston. Utah Water Research Lab., Civil and Env. Eng. Dept., Utah State University, USA. brian.crookston@usu.edu

Scope:
Large wood (LW), driftwood, or instream wood is a key component of fluvial ecosystems. The movement and deposition of LW affects both flow and sediment transport processes. Natural LW jams increase flow heterogeneity and alter bed morphology. To provide the benefits of natural LW, engineered log structures may be installed as a tool for river restoration. During floods, the amount of transported LW may significantly increase and LW jams can form at hydraulic structures. The accumulation of LW at hydraulic structures reduces conveyance capacity, increases upstream water depths, and may lead to structural damages of the structure itself. The interaction between LW and hydraulic structures further elevates the flood risk and safety concerns. Therefore, novel methodological approaches to understand LW transport processes and management are required to improve flood risk assessment and mitigation. A cross-disciplinary effort is necessary to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions of wood with flow and sediment as well as with hydraulic structures in fluvial ecosystems (rivers and streams) and to develop a sustainable and balanced approach to wood reintroduction.

This special issue aims for a broad representation of the scientific and engineering communities focusing on sustainable hydraulic, geomorphic, and human aspects associated with LW in fluvial ecosystems. We invite authors to share recent scientific advancements, best practices, project success, and general insights in our understanding and management of wood in fluvial ecosystems using field, laboratory, numerical approaches, or analytical analyses. Research articles, review articles, and case studies are welcome. Examples may include physical modelling of LW impact at hydraulic structures, numerical modelling of LW transport, machine learning to improve our understanding of LW transport, lessons learned from constructed projects, or field studies to improve the design of wooden structures for river restoration.

Keywords: Driftwood, Flood Risk, Hydraulic Structures, Large Wood, Modelling, Nature-based Solutions

Abstract Submissions: May 2022 through December 2022

Paper Submission Deadline: April 2023