Environmental Flows for Heavily Modified Catchments: getting real!
Geoff Petts, University of Westminster
Flow management to protect environmental services within riverine ecosystems below dams and abstractions remains a challenge despite more than three decades of research. This presentation returns to some basic hydrological questions, examining the UK practice of using the 95th percentile flow as the basis for setting 'hands-off flows' at abstractions and 'compensation flows' below dams. It then proposes the use of more flexible rules to mimic natural flow patterns with benefits to both riverine biota and abstractors in a future of hydrological uncertainty.
The seminar will be held in room 311 of the Geography and Environmental Sciences building at 4pm. All are welcome to attend.
