Geomorphic classification of rivers and streams

This chapter discusses general philosophies of classifications in fluvial geomorphology, and reviews examples of geomorphic classification systems. It explores uses and limitations of classifications as a tool in fluvial geomorphology and river management. Buffington and Montgomery emphasize the distinction between descriptive and process-based classifications, noting that descriptive classifications can be quantitative and process-based classifications can be qualitative. Distinctions between mountain torrents and lowland rivers are perhaps the oldest form of river classification. A wide range of geomorphic river classification schemes have been proposed since the late 19th century, reflecting the diversity of environmental settings, the variety of potential approaches to ordering complex natural systems, the intellectual framework of the field and the diverse purposes for which the systems were developed. Classification can focus on spatial features such as river patterns, floodplains, in-channel features, which can be separated according to a set of parameter.