Evaluating the effects of check dams on channel geometry, bed sediment size and riparian vegetation in Mediterranean mountain torrents.

摘要: In mountain streams possible negative impacts of check dams on soil, water and riparian vegetation due to dam installation can be noticed. spite the ample literature qualitative effects engineering works channel hydrology, morphology, sedimentary characteristics, quantitative evaluations changes induced by headwater characteristics are rare. order fill this gap, study has evaluated located in headwaters Calabria (Southern Italy) hydrological geomorphological processes response these actions. The analysis compared physical indicators transects identified around (upstream downstream) far from their direct influence (control transects). Check were found significantly unit discharge, surface subsurface sediments (both upstream downstream), shape transverse distribution (upstream) as well cover structure complexes (downstream). actions structures torrent longitudinal slope biodiversity less significant. differences bed profile significant only between downstream transects. results Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster confirmed substantial similarity control transects, thus highlighting that construction dams, needed mitigate hydro-geological risks, not strongly influenced functioning ecology before construction. Moreover, simple linkages hydraulics, geomorphology exist analysed headwaters; relationships among adjustments channels most resulting specific for transect locations with respect dams. Conversely, basically eludes any relations other vegetal