Erosion Threshold Assessments
An understanding of the potential geomorphic response of a receiving watercourse to changes in flow regime allows the sensitivity of the channels to be assessed. It also allows quantification of their potential to assimilate flows without exacerbating or increasing in-stream erosion beyond natural rates. In support of this approach, a target flow is usually defined for pre- to post-development comparison. This target flow is usually defined as an erosion threshold, which is the flow that theoretically can entrain bed or bank sediments within the most sensitive reach. Models are field verified to provide scientifically-defensible results.
