The aim of the project is the study of large woody debris in the stream channels and their riparian zones from the viewpoint of its hydrological, morphological and ecological functions. Research object is large woody debris (LWD) in three model river reaches - individual wood fragments as well as wood jams which block the channel profile. The attention will be paid to the three aspects of LWD: structure, dynamics and function. Structure will be studied by quantification of LWD volume within the channel and riparian zone, classification of pieces and wood jams and its spatial distribution. Dynamics will be studied by defining mechanisms of LWD recruitment, measuring of LWD mass balance, monitoring of in situ LWD decay and dendrochronological dating. Function will be studied by mapping the impacts of LWD on fluvial geomorphology, sedimentology of bedload material and habitat diversity. Interactions between stream-bank and riparian vegetation and hydromorphological processes will be modelled in GIS at the level of channelfloodplain units. The outcome of the project will be the knowledge of LWD recruitment mechanisms, its mobility and decay, impacts on fluvial biogeomorphology and also flood risk and channel destabilisation, all data will be integrated into the biogeomorphological GIS model. The final output of the project will be the monography on the large woody debris in the river ecosystems.

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