Experimental floods: A new era for Spanish and Mediterranean rivers?. Issue 75 (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Magdaleno, F.
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 75(2017)
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: River regulation -- Environmental flows -- Mediterranean rivers -- Ecohydrology; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.05.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: The main consequences of experimental flood releases in three Spanish river sites (first to be carried out in the country) are analysed and compared. Experimental floods have been shown to be important to the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological dynamics in all the case studies analysed. The study suggests the importance of readapting peak flow and flood frequency of experimental releases to those associated with higher recurrence intervals, especially in the case of rivers which have suffered a long and intense river regulation. Incorporation of detailed monitoring programmes and economic assessments are shown to be essential in all future analyses of the influence of experimental floods. Abstract: The provision of human-designed floods in regulated rivers is still an incipient worldwide practice. However, these floods have already been shown to have relevant effects on the ecogeomorphic integrity of rivers altered by flow regulation. In Spain, experimental floods were legally established in 2008 and were stipulated in two subsequent Basin Management Plans as compulsory practice for improving the functioning of strategic river reaches. Since that time, a number of flooding events have been carried out in rivers of Mediterranean condition. This paper reviews the main consequences of experimental flood releases in three Spanish river sites downstream of major hydraulic infrastructures. In each case, the ecologic and geomorphic effects of the releases are analysed in parallel with their causes and consequences, thereby providing a detailed understanding of the dynamics of each scenario. The Spanish examples and the lessons learned from them are contrasted with examples of experimental floods from other countries (U.S.A., Switzerland, Australia). Lastly, recommendations are proposed to improve the implementation of future experimental floods in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.