Problem
Uncontrolled river erosion
Other Names:
Unprotected river banksHarmful erosion of watercourses
Nature:
Soil erosion can have a number of harmful effects on watercourses and their use. It produces sediment whose deposit can result in flooding, the filling-in of channels, and other harmful effects. Erosion may also cause damage to the banks and beds of watercourses.
Background:
Eroded soils are, by volume, the greatest pollutant of lakes and rivers. While most sediment comes from overland erosion throughout a watershed, river bank erosion is a major contributor. In aquatic environments, sediment pollution: Degrades aquatic and nearshore land habitats, killing aquatic organisms and negatively impacting birds and animals which depend on aquatic habitats; Reduces water clarity, light penetration, and plant productivity; Causes warming (which is most serious in cold water trout streams); Releases nutrients stimulating undesirable plant and algae growth; Affects angling success and fish feeding. spawning, and gill function, and changes bottom substrate, reducing channel capacities, and increasing flooding.
Broader Problems:
Soil erosion by waterUnsustainable development of fresh waters Related Problems:
Land erosion brought about by site development Aggravates:
Rock avalanchesLoss of river siltLake shoreline damageEnvironmentally destructive redirection of water flows Subject(s):
Cybernetics → ControlGeology → Soil
Hydrology → Rivers and lakes
Societal Problems → Hazards
Societal Problems → Vulnerability
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
18.04.2019 – 13:50 CEST