Andrew Neverman

Citation

Thesis Title
Quantifying bed stability: the missing tool for establishing mechanistic hydrological limits

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Sediment transport processes are a key mechanism of ecological change in riverine systems, and certain levels of sediment flux are necessary for healthy ecosystem functioning. Altered flow regimes and sediment mobility are contributing to a global problem of reduced frequency of substrate scour events and leading to increases in periphyton (slime and algae found on river beds) accrual. In recent decades, reports of toxic periphyton proliferations have increased and are linked with health problems in humans and the death of domestic dogs. Mr Neverman developed several tools to help river managers and scientists measure the stability of gravel stream beds and identify the hydrological thresholds required to mobilise gravel substrate to scour periphyton. His research also presented the first observation of the effect of seepage on the mobility of gravels in natural channels.

Supervisors
Professor Ian Fuller
Professor Russell Death
Professor Jonathan Procter
Associate Professor Ranvir Singh