Development of an automated desktop procedure for defining macro-reaches for river longitudinal profiles

Abstract

This paper presents an automated desktop procedure for delineating river longitudinal profiles into macro-reaches for use in Ecological Reserve assessments and to aid freshwater ecosystem conservation planning. The procedure was developed for use where there are limited data and/or where a repeatable, statistically defensible regional or national assessment is required. The delineation of longitudinal profiles into macro-reaches between ‘controls’ or ‘break points’ such as exposed resistant rock formations, knick points, or significant changes in lithology provides the initial coarse filter for further assessment of lower levels of organisation, channel type for example. The division is necessary, as research has demonstrated that not all macro-reaches respond in the same way to disturbance or stress, nor do they have the same biotic assemblages.

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