Fluvial Changes in the Anthropocene: A European Perspective

Fluvial systems have changed notably during the Anthropocene in many regions of the Earth. This article gives an overall picture of fluvial changes in Europe since the mid-20th century by addressing key aspects such as type and magnitude of changes, causes (e.g., catchment and reach human activities, climate changes), and practical implications of geomorphic changes. Although European rivers have a long history of human impact and significant changes occurred in the 19th century or even before (e.g., channelization of large rivers), remarkable acceleration of fluvial changes occurred since the mid-20th century. Channel narrowing and incision, that in several cases led also to changes in channel pattern, were widespread. Such channel changes were due to decreases in sediment supply and to alteration of flow regime (decreases in floods and formative discharges). A very strong link does exist between human activities and fluvial changes. Some human activities had direct and clear effects on rivers and their catchments (e.g., in-channel sediment mining, dams, land-use changes). Notwithstanding the role of climate was not so evident during the second half of the 20th century, it is likely that it will be a significant driving factor during the 21st century, at least in some European regions (e.g., arctic and subarctic regions, Alps). Fluvial changes had several negative effects (e.g., decreased environmental quality, increased flood hazard) and there is a need for improving river functioning and morphology. An “Anthropocene” perspective in which rivers are viewed critically as socio-biophysical systems co-evolving with human activity should be used in restoration and management of European rivers.