Selected Principles of Fluvial Geomorphology

Fluvial geomorphology is an interdisciplinary branch of science that has been experiencing, in the last decade, a relatively significant increase in the knowledge regarding the functioning and development of fluvial systems. Fluvial geomorphology studies not only the genesis of fluvial landforms and processes but also other river basin factors that play a role in the functioning, changes, and dynamics of fluvial landforms that are not primarily linked to river channels. Besides purely geomorphic aspects considered in the study of the fluvial system, the understanding of the processes affecting the fluvial morphology within individual measures can be helped by other elements. System approach introduces another aspect of fluvial systems referred to as complexity-according to Wohl, the so-called river geomorphic complexity. Fluvial systems are typical examples of paradynamic systems that display their functionality and integrity by the processes of mass and energy movement in various directions. Connectivity of rivers is closely related to the concept of fluvial continuum.