This course has been discontinued
This 2-hour interactive online course provides an introduction to an enhanced channel design framework for restoring the channels of meandering rivers. This framework uses a geomorphic engineering approach based on bringing together geomorphic principles and conventional river engineering methods.
This course is based largely upon the US Army Corps of Engineers Manual 'Channel Restoration Design for Meandering Rivers' by Soar and Thorne, September 2001.
This introductory course will seek to identify elements of this new framework. Subsequent courses will focus on the details of those elements.
There is a multiple-choice quiz included at the end of this course.
At the conclusion of this course, you will:
- Have gained a historical perspective on conventional channelization
- Be familiar with the various types of projects that have been labeled 'restoration', such as enhancement of instream habitat, reducing nutrient and sediment loads, stabilization of eroding stream systems, and mitigation of detrimental effects of water pollution resulting from land use.
- Know the benefits and problems caused by conventional channelization
- Have a general understanding of geomorphology and a geomorphological approach to river restoration
- Have an understanding of the ecological benefits of a geomorphological approach
- Have a baseline knowledge necessary to continue with subsequent Channel Restoration Design Courses
Various types of channelization will be identified, such as:
- Re-sectioning
- Realignment
- Diversion Channels
- Flood Banks
You will be able to recognize four applications for major restorative projects, such as:
- Urban projects
- Restoring straightened channels
- River diversions
- Restoration in original location following temporary diversion
The student will explore reasons for restoration, benefits of restoration and the elements of the design process. This course is the first of several which deal with river restoration. More rigorous design methodologies are presented in subsequent courses.