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Can an alternate biogeomorphological state be triggered by short-term hydrological fluctuations in modified monsoon-driven river systems?
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  • Gertjan Geerling,
  • CHANJOO Lee,
  • Hun Choi,
  • Donggu Kim,
  • Mijke Van Oorschot,
  • Willemijntje Penning
Gertjan Geerling
Deltares

Corresponding Author:gertjan.geerling@deltares.nl

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CHANJOO Lee
Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
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Hun Choi
Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
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Donggu Kim
Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
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Mijke Van Oorschot
Deltares
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Willemijntje Penning
Deltares
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Abstract

Over the last decade, rapid vegetation colonization and changes in channel morphology have been observed in the Naeseongcheon Stream in South Korea, which were linked to short-term hydrological fluctuations under a changing monsoon climate. The surface area covered by vegetation has been increasing; this increase intensified after the 2014–2015 drought, which provided a window of opportunity for vegetation establishment. During the drought, pioneer herbaceous vegetation densely colonized the lower floodplains, including bare sandbars and temporarily exposed riverbed. Although the colonized lower floodplain and river banks were partially rejuvenated by several subsequent floods, succession to woody vegetation continued, resulting in stable vegetation cover in areas that had previously been bare. Moreover, sediment carried by flood water was deposited on and around the vegetated areas, and the low-water channel was incised, causing vertical development of river topography. In addition, the main channel width decreased in previously relatively wide sites, and secondary channels formed. The results of this study show that river rejuvenation by floods may decrease owing to systemic changes in the river system. Therefore, we concluded that the Naeseongcheon watershed was primed by human-induced changes, which made the river system more susceptible to changes in rainfall and discharge due to climate change. Furthermore, after the initial vegetation colonization, changes in nutrients and temperature created a positive feedback loop, which reinforced vegetation establishment.
25 Jan 2023Submitted to River Research and Applications
25 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
17 May 20231st Revision Received
17 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
17 May 2023Assigned to Editor
17 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 May 2023Editorial Decision: Accept