Geomorphic analysis is an important component of any engineering project dealing with dynamic systems. Virtually every water resources development project requires a detailed geomorphic analysis that must be dove-tailed into engineering design, interdisciplinary constraints, public constraints and environmental and legal issues. The geomorphic analysis is intimately linked to the more detailed engineering analysis and design. Erosion may result in scour of a river bed or banks which can cause loss or damage to property.
Sedimentation can cause loss of flood conveyance capacity resulting in more frequent flooding.
Changes to water bodies due to erosion and sedimentation range from relatively minor to catastrophic depending on the controlling physical processes. Such tools consist of a three-level procedure which includes qualitative geomorphic analysis, quantitative geomorphic and engineering analysis, and computer or physical modeling. Analysis of erosion and sedimentation using this approach ensures results that are credible, being based on scientifically supportable procedures which are checked for consistency by comparing the various analysis tools as applied to each particular project. These are key variables since they are directly associated with such issues as flooding and sediment transport. Hydraulic analysis is a key component of the analysis of erosion and sedimentation, sediment transport, and channel dynamics.