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SUMMARYMeasurements of bank erosion on rivers in Devon over a 2f year period produced mean rates ranging from 0.08 to 1.18 metres per year and a maximum rate of 2.58 metres per year. These values are compared with rates derived from maps for various time periods between 1840 and 1975. The map rates are generally lower than the field rates and the question of whether this difference is due to the method of measurement, the magnitude-frequency of events, a change in discharge conditions or the inherent variation in channel activity is discussed. Published data on bank erosion rates are reviewed and the Devon rates are found to coincide with the worldwide distribution. An analysis of factors likely to influence the spatial distribution of erosion rates reveals a square-root relationship to catchment area and the importance of bank material. Implications of the measured rates for development of flood plains are examined. KEY WORDS Erosion Rates Magnitude Distribution Controlling factors MAGNITUDE AND DISTRIBUTION OF RIVER BANK EROSIONA knowledge of rates of errosion is fundamental to full interpretation of the landscape, especially in evaluation of the time period required for development of particular features and in assessment of the influence of climatic, geological and environmental conditions. Thornes and Brunsden (1977) have identified three functions of rates of processes-in testing of models, in provision of parameters and inputs for models, and in practical problems. Data are required for application in these functions but there are severe problems which beset both the measurement of the processes and the extrapolation to the longer term. Many of these problems are associated with sampling both in space and time and are exacerbated by a lack of standardization of terms and methods which makes comparison and accumulation of data difficult. Measurement of river bank erosion has the advantage that the process is relatively rapid compared with many other geomorphological processes but this enhances its importance in interpretation of landscape change. Knowledge of rates of bank erosion is also of value in investigation of the effects of human activities on channel processes and in short-term prediction of erosion and planning of erosion control. METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

Soil erosion by water is one of the most important land degradation processes in Mediterranean environments. This process is strongly linked to problems of flooding and channel management. This article reviews existing knowledge on these topics and defines research gaps. In the framework of environmental change studies it is important to consider soil erosion at various spatial and temporal scales. Most field measurements and modelling efforts have hitherto concentrated on water erosion processes operating at the runoff plot scale. Soil erosion processes operating at other spatial scales have received much less attention in the literature. Yet, there are indications that gully and channel erosion are probably the dominant sediment sources in a variety of Mediterranean environments. Beside water erosion, other erosion processes operating within catchments, such as tillage erosion, land reshaping for land preparation (e.g., terracing) or soil quarrying can have significant impacts on soil profile truncation. Land use changes strongly affect the intensity of these processes. The conditions, position and connectivity of the runoff and sediment generating areas within catchments have a profound effect on flood characteristics within the main channels but the dynamics are not well understood. Some research has taken place into meteorological conditions producing catastrophic flooding and into development of hydrological models using catchment variables. Much less is known of the properties and effects of flood waves within channels, partly because of lack of records of these infrequent events. It is not only water but also sediment which causes destruction in floods, yet sediment is frequently ignored in channel management. The extreme conditions associated with floods in the region, the variability of flows and of flood zones, the mobility of the channels and the high sediment loads create particular challenges for channel management. Trends in land use and channel management are tending to exacerbate these problems. From this review it can be concluded that there is still an important need for process-based understanding and modelling of key soil erosion processes operating at a range of scales: i.e., from plots over hillslopes, catchments to regions. In particular, more research is needed on the linkages between upland areas which produce large volumes of runoff and sediment and channels on the other hand. Such linkages are through gullies and sedimentation zones. Monitoring and experi mental data on key soil erosion and channel processes operating within Mediterranean landscapes are crucial for the improvement of soil erosion and channel models for a range of scales. In particular, long-term monitoring of soil erosion processes and stream channel changes seems to be essential to observe the effects of infrequent torrential rain events on severe erosion, flooding and stream channel changes as well as on the transient response of Mediterranean landscapes to changes in land use and climate. Systematic collation of historical evidence of changes would be valuable. Implications of land and water use need to be examined in detail. A wide range of alternative strategies and techniques of channel and basin management must be explored and modelled. A holistic approach to management of the fluvial system is recommended.

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Recent empirical and theoretical work on river meanders suggests that instability is inherent. Within this context, an occurrence of multiple cut-offs could be interpreted as a clustering associated with self-organized criticality. Types of meander behaviour ranging from stable to chaotic are examined as trajectories or attractors within the phase space of rate of meander movement and bend curvature and change to the system is explored as shift from one attractor to another. It is suggested that this new approach provides insights into meander dynamics and provides a basis to identify the conditions, limits and constraints under which different behaviour occurs. Basic controls of energy and resistance underlie planform behaviour, but need to be refined in relation to the morphology and stability of channel courses. key words England river meanders chaos theory River Bollin sinuosity non-linearity equilibrium