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Mediterranean desertification and land use. Project 4 ephemeral channels and rivers

Exploitable results

Stochastic (Markovian) models have been developed for routing water in ephemeral stream channels (Shannon). Diffusion and Kinematic wave models have been implemented for routing water in the Nogalte channel, S.E. Spain (Thornes)
It was obtained a detailed database about hydrology, geomorphology and ecology of ephemeral channels in a semiarid area located in Region of Murcia (SE Spain). A review of matters and feasible methods have been carried out during the first stage, concentrating efforts on one of these systems: 'Rambla Salada`. Hydrological models were also developed, from historical climate data, to evaluate water balances and runoff variability in the basin. Other basic outputs refer to soil properties, GIS modelling, ephemeral channel morphology and man-induced changes in `Rambla Salada`. These results are used like degradation and desertification indicators within a regional context and can be applied to a better understanding of the semiarid fluvial systems.
A computer-based model has been developed which simulates the effects of channel flows and floods on the morphology, sediment and vegetation of river channels and floodplains of ephemerally-flowing rivers. It is able to simulate the effects and changes of individuals flood events and sequences of events over periods up to 30 years. It incorporates the effects of climate upon vegetation and the interaction and feedback between vegetation cover and channel form. The model is operational and simulates some types of event successfully. However, further field data on the effects of flood events are needed to validate the models and further research is needed on the sediment transport component. The models has the potential ability to predict the types of effects of flood events and of climate and land cover conditions and can be applied to any reach of river for which topography, vegetation and sediment cover can be obtained.

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