Research
Fluvial geomorphology, environmental change and environmental management
My major research is on river channel dynamics, particularly at contemporary and historical timescales, examining erosion and deposition processes, mechanisms of meander movement and morphological change, process dynamics and interaction of fluvial processes with vegetation. The research involves aspects of flood dynamics and channel and catchment management. Work in dryland environments is associated with analysis of desertification processes and application of sustainable strategies and methods to combat desertification and land degradation. My research is based on field measurements and use of historical sources and remote sensing, and is being undertaken in both humid and dryland environments. Long-term monitoring of morphological changes and processes is ongoing in NW England and SE Spain. Much of my work involves applied aspects and development of sustainable environmental management strategies using 'working with nature' and integrated landscape approaches. Specially acquired equipment in the Department includes differential GPS, robotic and imaging total station, an acoustic Doppler velocity profiler and digital photogrammetry facilities.
Current research projects include;
Spatial and temporal variability of landscape evolution in the Great Karoo, South Africa (NERC Studentship)
Risk and uncertainties in applying ‘Working with Natural Processes’ approaches to river management (EPSRC/ESRC CDT studentship in the Risk and Uncertainty Institute; partners Environment Agency, Arup)
Research groups
Research grants
Implementing GI approaches to river engineering protection measures
HR WALLINGFORD LTD (UK)
January 2016 - April 2017
Physical and biological dynamic coastal processes and their role in coastal recovery (BLUE-coast)
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
May 2016 - January 2022
BSG and Wiley-Blackwell Research Fund application
BRITISH SOCIETY FOR GEOMORPHOLOGY (BSG) (UK)
December 2010 - January 2012
The Physical Landscape of Britain
BRITISH SOCIETY FOR GEOMORPHOLOGY (BSG) (UK)
May 2012 - September 2014
The Physical Landscape of Britain and Northern Ireland
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL
October 2011 - January 2013
The establishment of a long-term geomorphological monitoring programme in South African river systems with a view to elucidating the response of these systems to environmental change.
BRITISH COUNCIL (UK)
February 2008 - July 2008
Adaptation and Resilience of Coastal Energy Supply (ARCOES)
ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
November 2011 - October 2017
Research collaborations
Prof Emmanuele Gautier
Morphodynamic functioning and historical changes of the meanders of the River Cher
Sorbonne University, Paris and CNRS
Supervision of PhD of Dr Thomas Depret
Dr Paulo Cesar Rocha
Meander dynamics of the Peixe River, Brazil
Sao Paulo State University (unesp)
Supervision of PhD student , Dr Eduardo Morais
John Packer
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Joint NERC application
Prof Gary Parker
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Joint research grant application
Dr Guido Zolezzi
University of Trento
Joint grant applications and papers on river meandering
Paul Booth
Joint application to Leverhulme Trust