Morphological dynamics of upland headwater streams in the southern North Island of New Zealand |
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| Authors: | Arved C Schwendel Ian C Fuller Russell G Death |
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| Institution: | Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand,;Geography Programme, School of People, Environment &Planning, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Short-term channel dynamics of mountain stream reaches in the southern North Island of New Zealand were assessed over two successive 3-month periods using morphological budgeting. Response to floods varies between reaches, even when the catchments were located close to each other and had similar characteristics. The reaches on the Central Volcanic Plateau experienced least morphological change, while streams with steep catchments and migrating planform in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges showed frequent channel adjustments. Channel response is conditioned by intrinsic variables rendering reaches responsive or robust to the effects of floods, and this is likely to reflect the degree of connectivity between slopes and channels, and reaches. |
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| Keywords: | bedload DEM gravel-bed river morphological budget sediment transfer stream bed stability |
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