Code
N04
Sector
Hydro Morphology
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

A river meander is a U-form taken by the river, allowing it to decrease water velocity. In the past, rivers have been straightened by cutting off meanders. Many rivers in northern and Western Europe have been straightened and channelized to, for example, facilitate log floating and/or speed up the drainage of water and control/limit the river bed movements. Channelizing was also a way to gain land for cultivation. River re-meandering consists in creating a new meandering course or reconnecting cut-off meanders, therefore slowing down the river flow. The new form of the river channel creates new flow conditions and very often also has a positive impact on sedimentation and biodiversity. The newly created or reconnected meanders also provide habitats for a wide range of aquatic and land species of plants and animals.

Illustration(s)

River before re-meandering

River after re-meandering

Source: http://riverwatch.eu/en/the-morava-anniversary-project-2014

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
High
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
High
PO3 - Improving status of hydromorphology quality elements
High
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Medium
PO5 - Improving quantitative status
Medium
PO6 - Improving chemical status
Medium
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
High
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Medium
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
High
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
High
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
High
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
High
PO13 - Better management of fish stocks
High
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
High
ES1 - Water storage
Medium
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
Medium
ES3 - Natural biomass production
High
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES5 - Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Medium
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
High
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
High
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
High
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
High
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
High
BP1 - Store runoff
Medium
BP2 - Slow runoff
Medium
BP3 - Store river water
Medium
BP4 - Slow river water
High
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
Low
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Medium
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Medium
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
Low
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
High
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
High
BP11 - Improve soils
Medium
BP12 - Create aquatic habitat
High
BP13 - Create riparian habitat
High
BP14 - Create terrestrial habitats
Medium
BP16 - Reduce peak temperature
Medium
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Low

Case studies per NWRM