Wang, Mincong, Claghorn, Joseph, Zhuo, Lu and Yu, Zhaowu
2026.
Modelling tributary reforestation effects on downstream main channel fluvial geomorphology.
Geomorphology
496
, 110158.
10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110158
|
Preview |
PDF
- Accepted Post-Print Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (3MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Reforestation is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for sustainable environmental management, offering multiple ecological and hydrological benefits. However, its long-term geomorphic implications at the catchment scale remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates how the spatial configuration and placement of reforestation in tributary sub-basins influence the morphological stability of the main river channel. Using the CAESAR-Lisflood landscape evolution model, a range of reforestation scenarios over a 50-year period in the River Don catchment (UK) are simulated, focusing on three key variables: relative location (upstream vs downstream), topographic position (valley vs upland), and spatial configuration (consolidated vs dispersed). Key geomorphic indicators include changes in lateral channel migration, sediment discharge, erosion and deposition volumes, and planform metrics. The main findings suggest that reforestation in upstream and upland areas significantly improves the stability of the channel planform and efficiently reduces erosion in comparison to interventions occurring downstream and along the riparian corridor. Furthermore, the efficacy of enhancing the general stability of channel planforms is greater when larger, consolidated reforestation operations are implemented compared to several smaller, dispersed projects of equal area. These findings contribute to fluvial geomorphology by quantifying how tributary reforestation alters sediment connectivity and channel evolution in the main channel. They also offer practical guidance for designing reforestation strategies that maximize geomorphic resilience, particularly in resource-constrained restoration planning. By integrating spatially explicit modelling with geomorphic process understanding, this study advances the predictive capability of landscape evolution models and demonstrates their value in assessing long-term anthropogenic impacts on river systems.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Earth and Environmental Sciences |
| Additional Information: | RRS policy applied |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0169-555X |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 21 January 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 2 January 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2026 10:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183985 |
Actions (repository staff only)
 |
Edit Item |
Altmetric
Altmetric