Modified from the Geological Society of America position statement on applied fluvial geomorphology, 2004.


• Fluvial geomorphologists are specifically trained to identify the relations between process and form along rivers, and how rivers adjust/behave.
• Fluvial geomorphologists are trained specifically to take a holistic view of rivers that places each site within its landscape/catchment context.
• Fluvial geomorphologists are careful field-observers and are aware of site-specific conditions that can cause a river to behave in an ‘unexpected’ manner.
• Fluvial geomorphologists recognise a river as a physical system with a history.
• The integrated perspective of fluvial geomorphology is critical to successful river rehabilitation and management.

Describe -> Explain -> Predict

The River Styles^® Framework has been developed to incorporate all these aspects. The scientific and management principles of the framework can be found here.