Project Orientation |
1.Background Information Assembly; 2.Terrain Modelling using GIS; 3.Development of Conceptual Models |
Assimilation of geology, soils, vegetation, precipitation, population history, land management history, prior geomorphology reports; Empirical modelling for expected conditions; Development of process domains/landscape units |
Determination of current conditions |
4. Mapping and Inventorying; 5. Baseline data collection; 6.Field interpretation of current morphology and process; 7.Classification and characterization of landscape units; 8.Monitoring of site dynamics; 9.Determine regional sediment flux(also for past conditions) |
Expert interpretation using known site details and accepted process-form linkages in academic literature; Survey, aerial photographic interpretation; Field reconnaissance using rapid assessment protocols; Collation of existing data records; Collection of additional data to supplement existing records (e.g. transects and cross-sections, grain size determination); Field reconnaissance using rapid assessment protocols; Expert judgement; Application of a priori classification hierarchy; Characterization via statistical analysis of attributes; Repeat measurements (tracer studies, repeat transects/cross sections) over a designated interval or following large forcing events such as high intensity rainfall, floods. storm surges).; Estimate of sediment yield, budget for coastal or watershed zone. |
Investigation of past conditions |
10. Reconstruction of historical data series; 11. Palaeo-environmental reconstruction for pre-historical conditions |
Air photo/map/survey overlay; Reconstruction of sediment flux from historical records; Use of narrative accounts, ground photographs; Vegetation composition and age; Stratigraphic analysis and interpretation of sedimentary deposits; Geochronology dating methods, e.g. radiocarbon, lead 210, 237; Erosion estimates using short-lived radionuclides |
Prediction of future conditions |
12. Sensitivity analysis of potential for change; 13. Computer and physical model simulations |
According to measured potential for changes related to threshold: e.g. stream power; Interpretation of departure from ‘expected’conditions: e.g. using hydraulic geometry comparisons, discriminant bi-variate plots; Positioning of units in expected sequence of change: e.g. channel evolution model; Statistical deterministic or probabilistic analysis; Using hydrological and sediment transport models; Computer modelling of hillslope stability; Computer modelling of river bank stability; Computer modelling of sediment transport in rivers, and near shore; Modelling of plan form change; Physical modelling using scale models or generic experiment in flume |
Problem solution/Design |
14. Expert interpretation and integration; 15. Contribution to project objectives for sustainable / minimum maintenance/ impact; 16.Project siting; 17.Project design; 18.Project implementation oversight |
Based on the geomorphologist’s experience and mental models, project perception; Ability to determine and contextualize the historical legacy on contemporary geomorphological processes; Contribution via problem-solving forum of technical specialists, government; agency representatives, other stakeholders; Interpretation or risk analyses to determine minimum conflict point or maximum benefit between natural process and project requirements; Use of empirical and numerical models to propose process-based dimensions suitable to contemporary forcing mechanisms; Experience with implementation methods and techniques; Design of adaptive monitoring and evaluation programmes, experience in hypotheses setting; In assistance to project engineer |
Post-project monitoring and evaluation |
19. Determination of measurable success criteria; 20. Development of monitoring and evaluation plan; 21. Adaptive management response to outcomes of post-project appraisal; |
Expert knowledge of geomorphological system relationships (analytical references); Identification of primary variables, methods, locations and frequency of monitoring; Suggestions for suitable analyses; Ability to interpret evaluation in context of implemented project to determine success and next steps |
Expert advisory |
22. Data provision; 23. Cross - examination capability |
Analytical expertise to provide data for open use or to bolster case; Expert knowledge of specific geomorphological system and related systems to answer questions in deposition and in court. |