Wood in Fluvial Systems

This article explores the character and role of wood in fluvial systems. Following descriptions of the key characteristics of wood that affect its role and how it is measured, the quantities and styles in which wood is retained in fluvial systems are considered. This leads to discussions of wood budgets and wood mobility in fluvial systems and, finally, to relationships between wood and landforms. Throughout, discussions and descriptions focus on “small,” “medium” and “large” rivers where size relates to the ratio of wood piece length to channel width. The article concludes by drawing together some common aspects of wood and geomorphology across rivers with different physical and wood characteristics and then highlighting some areas that require more research attention.