Hydrodynamics of vegetated channels

Abstract

Hydrodynamics of vegetated channels and streams is a rapidly developing research area, and this chapter summarizes the current knowledge considering both aquatic and riparian zones. The benefit of an advanced parameterization of plant morphology and biomechanical properties is highlighted. For this purpose, the response of flexible and foliated plants and plant communities to the flow is illustrated, and advanced models for the determination of drag forces of flexible plants are described. Hydrodynamic processes governing flow patterns in vegetated flows are presented for submerged and emergent conditions considering spatial scales ranging from the leaf to the vegetated reach scale.