River classification: theory, practice, politics

摘要: The classification of river forms and processes has emerged as a major site for interdisciplinary cooperation application environmental science. Geomorphologists, ecologists, planners, others have made concerted efforts to develop theoretical empirical frameworks with which classify rivers their component parts multiple, diverse applications. As the breadth depth logics continue swell, this article takes stock recent developments through three analytical lenses. First, underpinnings are explored summarized provide framework within situate compare different approaches. Second, four emerging described compared assess epistemological, institutional, governance implications. Different epistemic communities produce kinds classifications, reveal ‘realities’ be acted upon by human agents. Third, emphasizing how practices productive regimes rationalities, roles, responsibilities, possibilities science clarified expanded. Rather than thinking about purely realist scientific project, attention needs paid ways in ‘classifying mindsets’ relate production social outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.