Research

Research in my group focuses on the morphodynamics of rivers (dynamic change in river form or morphology - see video to the right for an example!!) and the relation of river morphodynamics to human activity, ecosystems, biogeochemical processes, and river management. General descriptions of my specific research interests are listed below. List of publications can be found on my CV.

River Confluences

My group has conducted research on flow, sediment transport, changes in channel form, and mixing at river confluences for more than three decades. This work has contributed to the understanding of the dynamics of confluences as distinct fluvial environments within river networks.

River Meandering

The dynamics of river meandering has been another research topic pursued within our group. Like with confluences, we are interested in interactions among flow, sediment transport, and channel form as meanders develop in straight channels, as meanders evolve over time, and as meanders grow into cutoffs that result in abrupt changes in the path of the river and the formation of oxbow lakes.

Human Impacts on Sediment Flux

Through participation in the IML-CZO and the new CINet project, our group is actively exploring how sediment fluxes in intensively managed landscapes (IMLs), particularly agricultural landscapes, have been affected by human activity. This work examines altered connectivity of flux pathways from uplands through river corridors in IMLs and how this altered connectivity has changed rates of sediment flux, amounts and locations of sediment storage, and remobilization of stored sediment.

Human Impacts on River Morphodynamics

Streams have been extensively modified throughout the midwestern United States through intensive management of urban and agricultural landscapes. The response of streams to these human impacts remains an active area of research for our team. Improved understanding of these impacts is directly relevant to river management.

River Naturalization and Management

Adverse consequences of human impacts on streams in agricultural and urban environments has led to efforts by government agencies to engage in management aimed at improving environmental quality. To assist in this effort we have engaged in integration of social science, natural science, and local knowledge to develop innovative methods for naturalizing streams that enhances ecological conditions, aesthetics, and geomorphological stability.

Bank Erosion on the Wabash River