(Dis)connectivity in hydro-geomorphic systems - emerging concepts and their applications

In geomorphology, connectivity has emerged as a framework for understanding the transfer of water and sediment through landscapes. Over the past decade, sessions on (dis)connectivity at the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), and more recently, three mini-conferences in 2020 and 2021 called 'Connectivity Conversations', organized by the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) working group on 'Connectivity in Geomorphology', have created a space for the exchange of ideas relating to (dis)connectivity in geomorphology and related disciplines. The result of these initiatives has been a collection of research articles related to a special issue (SI) entitled '(Dis)connectivity in hydro-geomorphic systems - emerging concepts and their applications'. In this article, we provide a synthesis that embraces the SI contributions related to the application of the connectivity concept in different environments and geomorphic process domains, spatial and temporal scales, types and spatial dimensions of connectivity and the role of human impacts and associated river and catchment management aspects.

Automated summary

In the field of geomorphology, the concept of connectivity has become important for understanding the movement of water and sediment in landscapes. Recent conferences and discussions have provided a platform for researchers to exchange ideas on connectivity in geomorphology. This article summarizes the findings from a collection of research articles on the application of connectivity in various environments and scales, as well as the role of human impacts and management in rivers and catchments.