Investigation and Quantification of Erosions in the Margins of Water Bodies: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Erosive processes along the margins of water bodies are driven by various phenomena. Understanding and quantifying these processes require multidisciplinary approaches spanning across geology, ecology, and engineering. Accordingly, a variety of quantification approaches and techniques have been previously applied. To this end, the objective of the present research was to conduct a systematic review of the subject literature, with an aim to identify the techniques adopted in the quantification of erosion in the margins of water bodies. This study used a systematic review strategy based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—PRISMA. The results showed that the primary focuses of the investigations were channel dynamics and the use and coverage of riparian soils. Two of the identified research focuses remain scarcely discussed due to the logistical difficulties surrounding continuous monitoring: (1) the direct impacts of rain on the removal of soil from the margin, and (2) the influence of water content on soil surfaces. Seven field techniques for measuring erosion in the margin were identified and summarily compared in this review. There is a consensus in the literature that the application of each technique is dependent on the characteristics of the study site, as well as the available resources for analysis; however, to overcome certain limitations, different techniques have been used simultaneously for a combination of data. The use of models has stood out in relation to the use of field techniques.