Man's impacts on Australian drainage systems

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Abstract
Man's impacts on river systems now constitute a major area of study in modern fluvial geomorphology. Catchment alterations involving deforestation, grazing, cropping, urbanization and any conservation practices causes changes in the delivery of water and sediment to the drainage channel. Adjustments then occur to the channel morphology through gradual change or the rupture of thresholds. Other adjustments are induced by the direct modification of channels and flow regimes by dams, channelization, realignments and the dredging of bed equilibrium forms. This paper reviews the general field both in world and Australian contexts and then, through the use of Australian examples, details indirect catchments and direct channel impacts.