B4854 - DINAMICHE FLUVIALI E GESTIONE DEL SEDIMENTO

Learning outcomes

This course aims to provide knowledge on the contemporary dynamics that characterize fluvial systems, with a focus on rivers of the Anthropocene, in which the main driver of change is inherited (or contingent) anthropogenic disturbance. It integrates lectures with lab- and field-based components. Lectures examine aspects of sediment supply and sediment transfer, including hillslope-channel interactions, the role of hydro-meteorogical forcing on the intensity and typology of geomorphic transport processes. It also deals with sediment management at the watershed scale, addressing the impacts of land cover alteration, in-channel gravel mining, and the construction of engineering structures for water diversion and flood protection. Specific topics of interests include: (i) the main mechanisms of fluvial sediment transport; (ii) channel morphology and typology as a result of the (im)balance between sediment supply and transport capacity; (iii) the sediment budget approach as a key for identifying sedimentary disequilibrium and guide sustainable sediment management; and (iv) the state of rivers in the Northern Apennines and relevant issues of channel incision into bedrock. The discussion in class is fostered by a literature review on selected topics. The emphasis will vary from year to year and will be enriched with invited talks given by public stakeholders. The lab-based component, largely conducted in GIS environment, introduces students to expert-based mapping of key natural and anthropogenic features, such as hillslope sediment sources, the active channel bed, fluvial terraces, alluvial fans, check dams and lateral levees. On a more quantitative level, GIS-based activities include application of geomorphic change detection tecniques through differencing of sequential, high-resolution, Digital Elevation Models (DoDs) and evaluation of the relevant uncertainty. The field-based component illustrates the topographic surveying of channel cross sections, the characterization of channel bed texture (i.e., grain size distribution), as well as the at-a-station monitoring of water and sediment fluxes. Finally, analysis of data collected in the field is performed by groups of students, in peparation of a short technical report.

Course contents

IMPORTANT:

For ERASMUS and OTHER EXCHANGE STUDENTS:

the course will be taught in Italian and English.

Most of the teaching material and readings are in English.

LECTURES

1. Introduction to Current River Systems: Natural Dynamics, Climate Change, and Human Impacts

2. Climate change and extreme storm events in the Mediterranean (lecture taught by meteorologist Dr. Pierluigi Randi).

3. Climate change and effects on Alpine headwater streams: deglaciation and permafrost degradation

4. Sediment sources: Types, Measurement Methods, and Uncertainties. Theory and practical mapping.

5. Active Channel and Degree of Confinement (Natural and Artificial): Impacts on Sediment Exchange between Floodplain and Active Channel

6. River Hydrology and Hydraulic Geometry: Anthropogenic effects

7. Sediment Transport: Sediment Load Measurement Methods and Monitoring Techniques

8. Sediment Budget: Theory, practical evaluation and uncertainties

9. Fluvial Morphology as a proxy for the sedimentary degree of (dis)equilibrium. The key role of in-channel sediment availability

10. Disturbed River Systems of the Anthropocene: The Legacy of Riverbed Excavations and Hydraulic Barriers - Examples from the Northern Apennines

11. The impact of floods on river systems in Romagna (2023-24): Lithological controls and implications for riverbed sediment management

12. Temporal and spatial scales of monitoring and evaluation: the key role of the fluvial geomorphologist (in the problematic state of management of rivers in Italy)

DIGITAL LABORATORIES

1. Review of fundamental GIS operations and practical mapping of sediment sources

2. Mapping of the active riverbed and riverbed structures, classification of banks, and quantitative assessment of the degree of confinement

3. Workflow for photogrammetric data acquisition using UAVs (drone) and the Structure from Motion methodology to obtain orthophotomosaics and digital terrain models (DTMs)

4. Sequential DTM analysis for volumetric assessment of sediment balance: incision, aggradation, and net change

5. Geomorphic Change Detection: Part 1

6. Geomorphic Change Detection: Part 2

FIELD EXCURSIONS AND VISITS

1. Optional field excursion (2 nights) in a high-elevation Alpine setting, near Livigno. When: Oct 2-4, 2026. Topic: the impact of deglaciation and permafrost degradation on high-mountain streams.

2. Mandatory, in-channel measurement campaign (2 consecutive days in a riverbed in Romagna): (i) Photogrammetric survey of the riverbed using drone and GNSS integration. (ii) GSD survey using pebble counting and sieving of the coarse fraction in the field. Dates: 26-27 October 2026 (during the week of lecture break).

Readings/Bibliography

• Readings and presentations posted online
• Selected peer-reviewed papers.
• Selected chapters drawn from: Rhoads, B., 2020. River Dynamics: Geomorphology to Support Management. (e-book freely available for unibo students)

Teaching methods

Indoor lectures, Field excursions and Lab sessions

HEALTH & SAFETY MODULES

To join the field excursions, the attendance of modules 1, 2 and 3 is mandatory.

Italian and English versions of the online modules ( 1 & 2) may be found at the following link:

https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio

POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS:

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Assessment methods

• In-depth study of a topic of your choice covered during the course, through the production of digital slides to present in class and coordination of the class discussion (40%)
• Submission of GIS products produced during the labs (30%)
• Short technical group report on the data collection performed in the field and the subsequent analysis performed in class (30%)

Teaching tools

• PC video projections of: (1) theory, and (2) software tutorials.
• Practical demonstrations in the field and in the classroom.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Brardinoni