The study of sediment is a critical field relating to the physical characteristics and processes that shape our rivers and streams. Understanding the geomorphology of rivers is essential for integral solutions in a wide range of water resources, floodplain planning, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. This understanding helps to provide insight into the way that rivers interact with their surrounding landscape, in order to better mitigate the impacts of natural events such as floods and droughts as well as understand the impact of human activities on rivers. Sediment plays a role in developing sustainable water resource management practices, such as the use of river channels and floodplains for agricultural irrigation, as well as bridges, dams, and levee design.
