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Postgraduate Student Profile

Geoff Vietz: Utilising geomorphology to define environmental flow regimes

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Supervisors

• Mike Stewardson The University of Melbourne
• Brian Finlayson The University of Melbourne
• Ian Rutherfurd The University of Melbourne

CRCCH project links

• River Restoration Program

Personal background

• BEng.Env(Hons) The University of Melbourne, 1997
• Consulting firms (since 1998) SMEC International Pty Ltd, Fluvial Systems Pty Ltd, Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd

Anticipated research outcomes/products

A greater understanding of:

• The geomorphic components important for determining environmental flow requirements;
• Spatial variation of in-channel benches throughout North East Victoria;
• Processes by which in-channel benches are formed; and
• Flow characteristics commonly associated with in-channel benches.

"Scientifically justifiable approaches for the identification of environmental flow requirements for rivers are becoming increasingly important. Environmental flow requirements for rivers in Victoria are commonly determined through the scientific panel approach whereby ecological and physical habitats within the river channel are identified and flow components allocated. Within this process the geomorphic components found within the channel often define the ecological habitats and subsequently the flow components recommended, yet, the spatial and temporal variation of these geomorphic units is often poorly understood. In particular, with the alteration and limitations on floodplains, there is a reliance on the myriad important ecological and physical processes provided for by the inundation of in-channel benches."

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