New tools for the hydromorphological assessment of European streams

A series of methods and tools for an integrated and synergic assessment of hydromorphology have been initially developed in Italy, and then expanded to other European countries in the context of REFORM (REstoring rivers FOR effective catchment Management). The Morphological Quality Index (MQI) is a tool based on a scoring system, designed to assess the overall morphological conditions of a stream reach and to classify its current morphological state. The Morphological Quality Index for monitoring (MQIm) is a specific tool for monitoring the tendency of morphological conditions (enhancement or deterioration) in the short term, and is particularly suitable for the environmental impact assessment of interventions, including restoration projects. Most of the MQIm indicators are based on continuous mathematical functions rather than on discrete classes as for the MQI. Finally, the Geomorphic Units survey and classification System (GUS) has been designed to integrate the MQI by characterising the typical assemblage of geomorphic units of a given reach and establishing links between geomorphic units and morphological river conditions at reach scale. The three new tools, used synergically, can provide an overall assessment of stream reaches useful for classifying and monitoring hydromorphological conditions, for understanding their functioning, and supporting the identification of appropriate management actions.