Multi-Scale Analysis of Large Wood (LW) Recruitment Processes and Integration into a 2D Model for LW Dynamics

Multi-Scale Analysis of Large Wood (LW) Recruitment Processes and Integration into a 2D Model for LW Dynamics

The body of research on large wood (LW) dynamics in rivers has recently been gaining momentum in conjunction with the increasing recognition of the multifaceted morphological and ecological roles that wood exerts on fluvial systems . Once delivered to streams through multiple recruitment processes (e.g., bank erosion, landslide, debris flow, windthrow, etc.), LW can be transported, stored, and redistributed throughout the catchment. Although these processes constituting LW dynamics have been extensively explored at the reach scale , understanding remains scarce at broader spatial scale, particularly at the catchment scale, which requires systematic, landscape-level approaches (Nicholas et al., 2006). Analyzing and assessing fluvial morphological and ecological processes across both fine and broad spatial scales significantly enhances the ability of environmental managers and policymakers to identify risks and design targeted action plans (Barbour et al., 2005). It is also a well-established principle in environmental management and numerical modeling that perceptions and interpretations of risk are inherently scale-dependent, varying with the spatial and temporal dimensions at which information is contextualized.

The study aims to analyze and compare the different estimation techniques in an attempt to provide a clearer understanding of LW volume inputs to LW transport models for improved modelling of LW dynamics, at both reach and catchment scale. The results are expected to enhance predictions of LW recruitment capacity under different future scenarios of climate and forest cover

A post flood event analysis of the “Vaia” storm is being conducted. Orthophotos and post flood event LW data have been obtained, enabling the estimation of recruited wood volume and subsequent modeling using the ORSA2D_WT model. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted to determine the impact of different variables affecting wood volume estimation. Additionally, a scenario-based analysis will be incorporated to test LW recruitment volume estimates based on the types, frequencies, and severities of the recruitment process.