Physical Models in River Hydraulics

Rivers are characterised by numerous physical and chemical processes, all relevant and of great impact on the habitat, and with a level of complexity that is only partially addressed by numerical models. Processes such as (i) intense sediment transport, with cohesive and granular sediments, interfering with the anthropogenic works along the rivers and controlling the morphodynamics of the beaches; (ii) gas exchange with the atmosphere and affecting water quality; and (iii) floodings are some of the motivations for investigating rivers through physical models.