Global warming and fluvial geomorphology

Future global warming has a number of implications for fluvial geomorphology because of changes in such phenomena as rates of evapotranspiration, precipitation characteristics, plant distributions, plant stomatal closure, sea levels, glacier and permafrost melting, and human responses. Potential changes in rivers are outlined in this review in the context of changes in the intensity of rainfall, the activity of tropical cyclones, runoff response (including that of Europe, dry lands and high latitude environments), and geomorphological reactions, including rates of soil erosion. In general, however, much work remains to be done to establish the full range of geomorphological responses that may take place in fluvial systems. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.