Linking environmental flows to sediment dynamics

摘要: This is a policy discussion paper aimed at addressing possible alternative approaches for environmental flows (e-Flows) assessment and identification within the context of best strategies fluvial restoration. We focus on dammed rivers in Mediterranean regions. Fluvial species their ecological integrity are result evolutionary adaptation to river habitats. Flowing water main driver development maintenance these habitats, which why e-Flows needed where societal demands depleting resources. habitats also shaped by combined interaction water, sediments, woody/organic material, riparian vegetation. Water abstraction, flow regulation dams, gravel pits or siltation fine sediments eroded from hillslopes pressures that can disturb interactions among other constituents create communities. Present e-Flow design criteria based only requirements. Here we argue sediment dynamics need be considered when specifying instream flows, thereby expanding objectives definition include (extended e-Flows). To this aim, hydromorphological framework restoration, including regulated large presented.