29 Aug 2025

Developing Conceptual Ecological Models for Hydraulic Analysis

Purpose: Technological advances, coupled with increased availability of spatial and monitoring data for hydraulic analysis, environmental flows analysis, and remote sensing, present opportunities for novel investigations of the structure and function of ecological systems. To leverage these capabilities in ecological analysis, it is necessary to develop a framework that links engineering model capacities with ecological principles. It is well known that riverine ecosystems are complex systems at the intersection of channel form, stream flow volume, and biology. However, because of differences in technical language and analytical philosophy, there are practical challenges associated with cross-walking multidiscipline riverine studies into interdisciplinary efforts that comprehend both engineering and ecological principles. Challenges associated with cross-discipline communication and framing the scope of ecohydraulic analysis are inherent barriers that limit the traction of research crossing disciplinary boundaries.