Let’s stop arguing with ourselves: a consistent approach to river classification that allows purpose driven typologies. (#96)
James R Grove
1
,
Joanne Burton
2
,
Marijke Heenan
3
,
Michael Newham
3
,
Mike Ronan
4
,
Matthew Griffiths
4
,
Maria Zann
4
,
Trent Munns
3
,
James Daley
5
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Resilient Rivers South East Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Soil, Catchment and Riverine Processes Unit, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wetlands Team, Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- To effectively manage rivers across Queensland a transparent and standardised approach is required for their classification, typing, mapping, and data collection.
- The Queensland River Classification Scheme (QRCS) is an attribute-based approach developed to classify biophysical descriptors (attributes) of components (parts) and processes of river systems. Each attribute has been designed to be quantifiable into categories meaningful to ecosystems. This is consistent with attribute-based approaches that classify other Queensland aquatic systems. A database of 192 attributes has been assembled within the eight themes of: biota; climate; geology; hydrology (chemical and physical); substrate (chemical and physical); and terrain. These attributes can be used to describe rivers throughout Australia. The database was informed by reviewing 30 existing river classifications and typologies that contained 424 descriptors, followed by workshops with experts.
- The review revealed the variability in the ways that attributes are described. Based on their similarities 342 descriptors (after removing duplicate terms) were condensed down into 46 groups, then matched to the eight themes of this classification. The reviewed classifications and typologies mainly focussed on attributes in the terrain theme and were less likely to include attributes in the themes of substrate (chemical) or hydrology (chemical).
- The attribute-based classification approach allows a specific purpose to be identified, and then a typology developed based on relevant attributes. This reduces the need to overextend or misapply generic riverine typologies outside their original intent. It also makes data collection fit for purpose and avoids having to start from scratch every time a new typology is needed.
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