Manifestations of the long-term transformation of the lower Elbe channel in Czechia and opportunities for its restoration

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

This study examines the long-term impact of water management and navigation modifications on the hydromorphology of the lower Elbe River in Czechia. The research focuses on gravel-sand bars, which are remnants of the river’s natural morphology. The analysis revealed a significant shift in the hydromorphological quality of the river, evaluated using a morphological quality index and historical data. The study analysed morphological and grain-size parameters of selected gravel-sand bars, as well as daily flow data. The results show a significant reduction in channel width and maximum average daily flows, leading to lower disturbance frequencies of the bars. The analysis suggests that close-to-natural processes affect the development of the bars but are influenced by artificial modifications. The findings indicate the need for restoration measures, which are discussed in this paper.