How do side channels form and evolve in both sand and gravel bed river systems? Side channels in natural river corridors are created and maintained as a result of a number of processes related to the morphology and geology of the river corridor and floodplain, the hydrology of the watershed, the sediment supply and size, and the amount of large wood within the system. A global understanding of how side channels form and evolve over time currently does not exist. To achieve this understanding of side channel form and process, we propose to conduct an empirical study of side channels across the variety of river systems represented in our study areas. This study would evaluate a range of variables that characterize side channels in terms of their form, location and angle of inlet from the main stem of the river, their frequency of inundation (perennial to intermittent), the type of habitat they provide (target species life stage served) as well as their evolution over time. The outcome of this study would be a classification of side channels and a conceptual model describing the side channel life cycle.
