Wood, J.C., Wood, M.K. and Tromble, J.M., 1987. Important factors influencing water infiltration and sediment production on arid lands in New Mexico. Flow Background Fluvial processes play an important role in the development of dryland landscapes. A general distinction can be made between ephemeral and perennial channel systems. In arid and semi-arid regions channel flow is infrequent, following intense precipitation, and channel flow is characterised by a flashy hydrograph with high transmission losses.
Perennial flow can only occur where the headwaters lie beyond the arid zone.
The nature and effectiveness of fluvial processes varies considerably depending on climate and drainage basin characteristics. Examination of the sedimentological record indicates that dryland fluvial systems have often undergone profound change in response to Quaternary environmental change. Historical studies also indicate that human intervention in dryland catchments can result in major channel adjustments. Recognition of the factors, which control the sensitivity of fluvial systems to disturbance, has relevance for the sustainable management of dryland environments. Aims of Lecture 1.