Channelized Rivers - by Andrew Brookes (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

River channels are modified by a variety of engineering methods for purposes of flood control, land drainage, navigation, and prevention of erosion. This is the first book to describe the environmental effects of channelization and to detail river engineering alternatives. The author demonstrates that fluvial geomorphology can be useful in designing more natural channels, and presents a wealth of examples from around the world. Provides up-to-date coverage of legislative issues, physical and biological effects of river channelization, environmentally sound procedures and designs, and river management.

From the Back Cover

Channelized Rivers Perspectives for Environmental Management Andrew Brookes Environmental Consultant, Reading, UK For centuries engineers have modified river channels in order to control floods, drain land, prevent erosion and improve navigation. The natural shape of many rivers has been dramatically changed, often with dire environmental consequences. This book demonstrates the role fluvial geomorphology can play in the design of river channels, both to lessen environmental impact and to enhance the success of channelization schemes. It considers the physical and biological impacts of channelization, the repercussions downstream and in the adjacent floodplain. Revised procedures and designs are proposed which minimize harsh environmental impacts. The interdisciplinary approach of the book offers river managers the opportunity to make more environmentally sensitive decisions in the course of their work. The book will be of great interest to geomorphologists, biologists and civil engineers working in the water industry.

About the Author

Andrew Brookes is an English aerospace analyst, author of aviation books and aviation journalist.
He is a former Royal Air Force pilot, and flew 3,500 hours on strategic reconnaissance Victors, Canberras, and also the Vulcan bomber. He was a NATO Nuclear Release Officer and led an aviation safety team at the Ministry of Defence, before being appointed Commander of RAF Greenham Common cruise missile base. He has also served as Group Director at the RAF's Advanced Staff College, and co-ordinator of air power studies at the Joint Services Command and Staff College.
He has been Director of the Air League since 2009, having previously been Aerospace Analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and of the Royal United Services Institute, and was voted Defence Aerospace Journalist of the Year in 2004 and 2006.