Professor Angela Gurnell
Professor of Physical Geography
School of Geography
Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
Phone: 020 7882 8927
Fax: 020 7882 7479
Email: a.m.gurnell@qmul.ac.uk
Angela Gurnell is Professor of Physical Geography. She was awarded her BSc, PhD and DSc by the University of Exeter. After completing her PhD at Exeter, she gained her first academic post as Lecturer in the Geography Department at the University of Southampton in 1973. She was promoted to Senior Lecturer and then Reader at Southampton and in 1994 she moved to the University of Birmingham, where she was awarded a personal chair in 1995. From 2002–2009, she was Professor of Physical Geography at King’s College London, serving as Head of the Department of Geography from 2003 to 2006.
Research interests:
Angela Gurnell’s research interests are at the interface between hydrology, geomorphology and plant ecology. She is currently working on three main research themes: (i) interactions between vegetation and fluvial processes; (ii) the hydroecological characteristics of urban rivers; (iii) improving the science underpinning river restoration. All three themes generate research outputs which are directly applicable to river restoration and management.
Vegetation and Fluvial Processes
 Concepts and Field measurements of Vegetation Growth |
The research provides an improved understanding of the functioning of semi-natural river systems and is relevant to the management of vegetation and driftwood within river systems and the design and installation of vegetation-based soft engineering treatments for river margins. Recent overview papers include:
GURNELL, A.M., Bertoldi, W., Corenblit, D.(2012) Changing river channels: the roles of hydrological processes, plants and pioneer fluvial landforms. Earth Science Reviews, 111 (1-2) 129-141, doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.11.005..
GURNELL, A.M. (2012) Wood and river landscapes. Nature Geoscience, 5, February 2012, 93-94.
Two current projects are investigating the river ecosystem engineering roles of aquatic macrophytes and riparian tree species:
The first current project, funded by NERC and in collaboration with Dr M. O’Hare (CEH) and Drs Andrew Simon and Natasha Pollen-Bankhead (USDA) is investigating the ecosystem engineering role of S. erectum, as a model species across a spectrum of river energy and finer sediment conditions. The research aims to define the physical conditions under which S. erectum can actively engineer river landforms, the plant mechanical properties that support this engineering, the rate at which the landforms evolve / turnover and their relevance for aquatic and riparian plant biodiversity.
 Conceptual model of landform initiation through seed and sediment retention by Sparganium erectum |
GURNELL, A.M., O'Hare, J.M., O'Hare, M.T., Dunbar, M.J., Scarlett, P.M. (2010) An exploration of associations between assemblages of aquatic plant morphotypes and channel geomorphological properties within British rivers. Geomorphology,116, 135-144.
O’Hare, J.M., O’Hare, M.T., GURNELL, A.M., Dunbar, M.J., Scarlett, P.M., Laize, C. (2010) Physical constraints on the distribution of macrophytes linked with flow and sediment dynamics in British Rivers. River Research and Application, 116, 135-144.
A second current project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, builds on a decade of research on the semi-natural, braided, Tagliamento River, Italy. The current work is exploring the use of a variety of remotely-sensed data sources to examine the dynamics of vegetation and associated landform development. This research is extending previous field-based studies of the way in which trees, particularly the Salicacaea, engineer riparian landforms:
 The topographic signature of vegetation on a braided river: Left: different elevation frequency distributions correspond with different cover and development of vegetation; Right: the skewness and kurtosis of the elevation frequency distribution of 1km length reaches of the River Tagliamento show a strong correlation with the average of the maximum vegetation height within the investigated 20x20m grid |
Bertoldi, W., Gurnell, A.M. and Drake, N.A., 2011. The topographic signature of vegetation development along a braided river: results of a combined analysis of airborne lidar, colour air photographs and ground measurements. Water Resources Research, 47: W06525, 13pp.
GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E., 2006. Trees as riparian engineers: the Tagliamento River, Italy. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 31, 1558-1574
GURNELL, A.M., Tockner, K., Petts, G.E. and Edwards, P.J. 2005. Effects of deposited wood on biocomplexity of river corridors. Frontiers in Ecology and Environment, 3, 377-382.
GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E. 2002. Island-dominated landscapes of large floodplain rivers, a European perspective. Freshwater Biology 47: 581-600.
Completed projects have mainly been concerned with plant propagule production, dispersal, deposition and growth along UK river margins. It has involved both greenhouse and field experiments on rural rivers with well-vegetated margins (e.g. Dove, Frome, Tern). Further details can be found in:
GURNELL, A.M., van Oosterhout, M.P., de Vlieger, B., Goodson, J.M. 2006. Reach-scale impacts of aquatic plant growth on physical habitat, River Research and Applications 22: 667-680.
Emery, J.C., GURNELL, A.M., Clifford, N.J. and Petts, G.E. 2004. Characteristics and controls of gravel-bed riffles: an analysis of data from the River Habitat Survey. Water and Environment Journal, 18: 210-216.
Goodson, J.M., GURNELL, A.M., Angold, P.G. and Morrissey, I.P. 2003. Evidence for hydrochory and the deposition of viable seeds within winter flow-deposited sediments: the River Dove, Derbyshire, UK. River Research and Applications 19: 317-334.
Hydroecological Characteristics of Urban Rivers
 Reports on Sustainability Indicators for Urban Rivers |
Two projects have been completed which investigate the hydroecological characteristics of urban rivers and their dependency upon engineering history and river network setting. These projects formed part of a programme entitled Sustainable Management of Urban Rivers and their Floodplains (SMURF) which was managed by the Environment Agency.
Engineering works constrain the morphological characteristics of urban rivers, whereas their flow, water quality and sediment transport regimes are constrained by their river network setting. An understanding of the hydroecological consequences of these constraints is the foundation for urban river restoration design
For more information see the Urban River Survey website.
See also:
Gurnell, A.M., Shuker, L., Lee, M., Boitsidis, A. (2011) Gradients in the biophysical structure of urban rivers and their association with river channel engineering. River Research and Applications, available in early view.
Boitsidis, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Scott, M., Petts, G.E., Armitage, P.A. 2006. Decision support system for identifying the habitat quality and rehabilitation potential of urban rivers. Water and Environment Journal 20: 1-11.
Davenport, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Armitage, P.D. 2004. Habitat Survey And Classification Of Urban Rivers. River Research and Applications 20: 687-704.
River Restoration
 Two years after the creation of a new river channel |
The project involved cutting a completely new sinuous, trapezoidal channel in old floodplain sediments after gravel extraction from the remainder of the floodplain. No engineering of morphological features or seeding of channel banks was undertaken.
Once the river was diverted into this new channel, rapid morphological change was coupled with vegetation colonisation so that within two years there were demonstrable feedbacks between vegetation growth and morphological adjustment. Hydrochory, particularly dispersal of seeds during winter floods, was found to support a diverse vegetation cover that was structured according to elevation, bank profile and planform. Although invasive species, particularly Himalayan balsam, were found in abundance immediately upstream, no significant colonisation has occured in the restored reach. For further information see:
GURNELL, A.M., Morrissey, I.P., Boitsidis, A.J., Bark, A., Clifford, N.J., Petts, G.E., Thompson, K., in press. Initial Adjustments within a New River Channel: Interactions between Fluvial Processes, Colonising Vegetation and Bank Profile Development. Environmental Management 38, 580-596.
GURNELL, A.M., Boitsidis, A.J., Thompson, K. and Clifford, N.J., 2006. Seed bank, seed dispersal and vegetation cover: Colonisation along a newly-created river channel. Journal of Vegetation Science, 17, 665-674.
Postgraduate supervision:
Current PhD Students
Helen Gibbs, Urban river restoration: some potential problems associated with sediment accumulation, College, 2009
Nana Osei, Riparian large wood: Storage and function in fluvial systems, College, 2010
Grecia Alejandra Garcia Lugo, Understanding the styles and controls on braided – single thread river transitions across Europe
Prima Woro Sekarsari, Meandering rivers: Styles and Dynamics
PhD students completed since 2000
2012 Lucy Shuker An Interdisciplinary Approach to Assessing, Planning and Managing Urban Rivers in the context of Greater London (ESRC-NERC)
2011 Tom Liffen, Physical ecosystem engineering by emergent aquatic vegetation: the importance of biomechanical traits (QMUL)
2011 Chris Cockel, Alien and Native Plants of Urban River Corridors: A Study of Riparian Plant Propagule Dynamics along the River Brent, Greater London Species (NERC)
2007, May Lee, Urban river response to engineering intervention (Self) currently teaching at secondary - sixth form levels
2007, Helen Moggridge, Establishment of riparian trees on river banks (NERC) currently Lecturer in Physical Geography, Department of Geography, KCL, currently working for Natural England.
2006, Mark Zeitoun, Hydro-Hegemony: The Case of the Palestinian-Israeli Water Conflict (self) currently Researcher, Department of Geography and Environment, LSE.
2004, Robert Francis, Riparian tree establishment and river island formation within the active zone of the River Tagliamento, Northeast Italy (University Studentship), currently Lecturer, Department of Geography, KCL.
2003, Joanne Emery, Characteristics and controls of gravel-bed pool riffle sequences for habitat assessment and river rehabilitation design (NERC studentship), currently employed by the Environment Agency.
2002, Joanne Goodson, Environmental controls on the colonisation and establishment of vegetation on river banks under varying grazing pressure (NERC studentship), currently an Environmental Scientist with Entec Ltd.
2001, Angela Davenport, A hydroecological classification of urban rivers, (NERC studentship), currently an Environmental Scientist with Jacobs Babtie Ltd.
Publications:
In press
Gurnell, A.M. Wood in Fluvial Systems. Treatise in Geomorphology, Volume 9: Fluvial Geomorphology, Chapter 11, Elsevier
Rinaldi, M., Wyżga, B., Dufour, S., Bertoldi, W., Gurnell, A. River processes and implications for fluvial ecogeomorphology: an European perspective. Treatise in Geomorphology, Volume 12: Ecogeomorphology, Chapter 6, Elsevier.
Petts G.E. and Gurnell, A.M. Hydrogeomorphic effects of water resources developments. Treatise in Geomorphology, Volume 13: Geomorphology of Human Disturbances, Hazards and Climate Change, Chapter 8, Elsevier.
2012
Gurnell, A.M., Bertoldi, W., Corenblit, D.(2012) Changing river channels: the roles of hydrological processes, plants and pioneer fluvial landforms. Earth Science Reviews, 111 (1-2) 129-141, doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.11.005..
Gurnell, A.M. (2012) Wood and river landscapes. Nature Geoscience, 5, February 2012, 93-94.
2011
O’Hare, J.M., O’Hare, M.T., Gurnell, A.M., Dunbar, M.J., Scarlett, P.M., Laize, C. (2011) Physical constraints on the distribution of macrophytes linked with flow and sediment dynamics in British Rivers. River Research and Application, 27, 671-683, DOI: 10.1002/rra.1379.
Clifford, N.J., Wright, N.G., Harvey, G., Gurnell, A.M., Harmar, O.P., Soar, P.J. (2010) Numerical Modeling of River Flow for Ecohydraulic Applications: Some Experiences with Velocity Characterization in Field and Simulated Data. J. Hydraulic Engineering, 136 (12) 1033-1041, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000057.
Bradley C, Clay A, Clifford NJ, Gerrard J, Gurnell AM (2010) Variations in saturated and unsaturated water movement through an upland floodplain wetland, mid-Wales, UK. Journal of Hydrology 393(3-4), 349-361, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.08.029.
Bertoldi, W., Drake, N.A., Gurnell, A.M. (2011) Interactions between river flows and colonising vegetation on a braided river: exploring spatial and temporal dynamics in vegetation cover using satellite data. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms,36, 1474-1486, DOI: 10.1002/esp.2166.
Liffen, T., Gurnell, A.M., O’Hare, M., Pollen-Bankhead, N., Simon, A. (2011) Biomechanical properties of the emergent macrophyte Sparganium erectum: implications for landform development in low energy rivers. Ecological Engineering, 37, 1925– 1931, doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2011.06.015.
Pollen-Bankhead, N., Thomas, R.E., Gurnell, A.M., Liffen, T., Simon, A., O’Hare, M.T. (2011) Quantifying the potential for flow to remove the emergent aquatic macrophyte Sparganium erectum from the margins of low energy rivers. Ecological Engineering, early view, doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2011.06.027.
Corenbilt, D., Baas, A., Bornette, G., Darrozes, J., Delmotte, S., Francis, R.A., Gurnell, A.M., Julien, F., Naiman, R.J., Steiger, J. (2011) Feedbacks between geomorpholohgy and biota controlling Earth surface processes and landforms: A review of foundation concepts and current understandings. Earth Science Reviews, 106, 307-331, DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.03.002.
Shuker, L., Gurnell, A., Raco, M (2011) Some simple tools for communicating the biophysical condition of urban rivers to support high-level discussions regarding river restoration. Urban Ecosystems, online first, DOI: 10.1002/rra.1487.
Cockel, C.P. and Gurnell, A.M., 2011. An investigation of the composition of the urban riparian soil propagule bank along the River Brent, Greater London, UK, in comparison with previous propagule bank studies in rural areas. Urban Ecosystems Urban Ecosystems, online first, doi: 10.1007/s11252-011-0203-6.
O’Hare, J., O’Hare, M.T., Gurnell, A.M., Scarlett, P.M., Liffen, T., McDonald, C. (2011) Influence of an ecosystem engineer, the emergent macrophyte Sparganium erectum, on seed trapping in lowland rivers and consequences for landform colonisation. Freshwater Biology, early view, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2427.2011.02701.
Bertoldi, W., Gurnell, A.M. and Drake, N.A., 2011. The topographic signature of vegetation development along a braided river: results of a combined analysis of airborne lidar, colour air photographs and ground measurements. Water Resources Research, 47: W06525, 13pp., DOI: 10.1029/2010WR010319.
Gurnell, A.M., Shuker, L., Lee, M., Boitsidis, A. (2011) Gradients in the biophysical structure of urban rivers and their association with river channel engineering. River Research and Applications, available in early view.
Gurnell, A.M. and Petts, G.E., 2011. Hydrology and Ecology of River Systems. In: P. Wildere (Editor), Treatise on Water Science. Academic Press, Oxford, Volume 2, Chapter 10. 237-269.
2010
Moggridge, H., GURNELL, A.M. (2010) Hydrological controls on the transport and deposition of plant propagules within riparian zones. River Research and Applications, 26, 512-527.
Bombino, G., GURNELL, A.M., Tamburino, V., Zema, D.A., Zimbone, S.M. (2009) Adjustments in channel form, sediment calibre and vegetation around check dams in the headwater reaches of mountain torrents, Calabria, Italy. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34, 1011-1021, DOI: 10.1002/esp.1791
GURNELL, A.M., O'Hare, J.M., O'Hare, M.T., Dunbar, M.J., Scarlett, P.M. (2010) An exploration of associations between assemblages of aquatic plant morphotypes and channel geomorphological properties within British rivers. Geomorphology,116, 135-144.
Corenblit, D., Steiger, J., GURNELL, A.M., Tabacchi, E., Roques, L, (2010) Control of sediment dynamics by vegetation as a key ecological function within fluvial corridors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34(13), 1790-1810.
O’Hare, J.M., O’Hare, M.T., GURNELL, A.M., Dunbar, M.J., Scarlett, P.M., Laize, C. (2010) Physical constraints on the distribution of macrophytes linked with flow and sediment dynamics in British Rivers. River Research and Application, 116, 135-144.
Clifford, N.J., Wright, N.G., Harvey, G., GURNELL, A.M., Harmar, O.P., Soar, P.J. (2010) Numerical Modeling of River Flow for Ecohydraulic Applications: Some Experiences with Velocity Characterization in Field and Simulated Data. J. Hydraulic Engineering, 136 (12) 1033-1041
Bradley C, Clay A, Clifford NJ, Gerrard J, GURNELL AM (2010) Variations in saturated and unsaturated water movement through an upland floodplain wetland, mid-Wales, UK. Journal of Hydrology 393(3-4), 349-361.
2009
Corenblit, D., Steiger, J., GURNELL, A.M., Naiman, R.J. (2009) Plants intertwine fluvial landform dynamics with ecological succession and natural selection: a niche construction perspective for riparian systems Global Ecology and Biogeography. published on-line DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-8238.2009.00461.x
GURNELL, A.M., Surian, N., Zanoni, L. (2009) Multi-Thread River Channels: A Perspective on Changing European Alpine River Systems. Aquatic Sciences published on-line, DOI 10.1007/s00027-009-9186-2
Moggridge, H., GURNELL, A.M. (2009) Controls on the sexual and asexual regeneration of Salicaceae along a highly dynamic, braided river system. Aquatic Sciences, published on-line, DOI 10.1007/s00027-009-9193-3.
Moggridge, H., GURNELL, A.M. (2009) Hydrological controls on the transport and deposition of plant propagules within riparian zones. River Research and Applications, available on-line, DOI: 10.1002/rra.1273
Moggridge, H., GURNELL, A.M. (2009) Propagule input, transport and deposition in riparian environments: the importance of connectivity for diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science 20, 465-474.
Bertoldi, W., GURNELL, A., Surian, N., Tockner, K., Zanoni, L., Ziliani, L., Zolezzi, G. (2009) Understanding reference processes: Linkages between river flows, sediment dynamics and vegetated landforms along the Tagliamento River, Italy. River Research and Applications, published on-line 23 January 2009.
Bombino, G., GURNELL, A.M., Tamburino, V., Zema, D.A., Zimbone, S.M. (2009) Adjustments in channel form, sediment calibre and vegetation around check dams in the headwater reaches of mountain torrents, Calabria, Italy. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34, 1011-1021, DOI: 10.1002/esp.1791
2008
Harvey, G., GURNELL, A., Clifford, N. (2008) Characterisation of River Reaches: the Influence of Rock Type. Catena 76, 78-88.
Harvey, G., Clifford, N.J., GURNELL, A.M. (2008) Towards an ecologically meaningful classification of the flow biotope for river inventory, rehabilitation, design and appraisal purposes. Journal of Environmental Management, 88, 638-650.
Bombino, G., GURNELL, A.M., Tamburino, V., Zema, D.A., Zimbone, S.M. (2008) Una metodologia per la valutazione degli effeti delle briglie sulla vegetazione ripale. L’Acqua 4, 17-26
Bombino, G., GURNELL, A.M., Tamburino, V., Zema, D.A., Zimbone, S.M. Sediment size variation in torrents with check-dams: effects on riparian vegetation. Ecological Engineering 32, 166-177.
Francis, R.A., Petts, G.E., GURNELL, A.M. 2008. Wood as a driver of past landscape change along river corridors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, available on line
Zanoni, L., GURNELL, A.M., Drake, N, Surian, N. 2008. Island dynamics in a braided river from analysis of historical maps and air photographs. River Research and Applications, available on line.
GURNELL, A.M., Thompson, K., Goodson, J., Moggridge, H. 2008. Propagule deposition along river margins: linking hydrology and ecology. Journal of Ecology, 96, 553-565.
GURNELL, A.M., Blackall, T., Petts, G.E. 2008. Characteristics of freshly deposited sand and finer sediments along an island-braided, gravel bed river: the roles of water, wind and trees. Geomorphology, 99, 254-269.
Corenblit, D., Tabacchi, E., Steiger, J., GURNELL, A. 2008. Reciprocal adjustments between landforms and living organisms: extended geomorphic evolutionary insights. Catena, 73, 261-273.
Vaughan, I.P., Diamond, M., GURNELL, A.M., Hall, K.A., Jenkinsd, A., Milner, N.J., Naylor, L.A., Sear, D.A., Woodward, G., Ormerod, S.J. (2008) Integrating ecology with hydromorphology: a priority for river science and management. Aquatic Conservation, available on line.
2007
GURNELL, A.M., Lee, M., Souch, C., 2007. Urban rivers: Hydrology, Geomorphology, Ecology and Opportunities for Change. Geography Compass 1, 1118–1137.
Corenblit, D., Tabacchi, E., Steiger, J., GURNELL, A., 2007. Reciprocal interactions and adjustments between fluvial landforms and vegetation dynamics: a review of complementary approaches. Earth Science Reviews 84, 56–86.
Corenblit, D., Steiger, J., GURNELL, A., Tabacchi, E, 2007. Darwinian origin of landforms. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 32, 2070-2073.
Hannah, D.M., Brown, L.E., Milner, A.M., GURNELL, A.M., McGregor, G.R., Petts, G.E., Smith, B.P.G. and Snook, D.L., 2007. Integrating climate-hydrology-ecology for alpine river systems. Aquatic Conservation 17, 636–656.
GURNELL, A.M., Goodson, J., Thompson, K., Mountford, J.O., Clifford, N. 2007. Three seedling emergence methods: implications for interpretation of propagule deposition in riparian zones. Seed Science Research, 17: 183–199.
GURNELL, A.M. (ed.) 2007. Wood in World Rivers. Special issue of Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 32: 1129-1272.
GURNELL, A.M. 2007. Wood in World Rivers. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 32: 1129-1130.
GURNELL, A.M., Goodson, J., Thompson, K., Clifford, N., Armitage, P. 2007. The river bed: a dynamic store for viable plant propagules? Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 32: 1257–1272.
GURNELL, A.M. 2007. Analogies between the dynamics of mineral sediments and vegetative particles in fluvial systems. Geomorphology, 89: 9-22.
Bombino, G., GURNELL, A.M., Tamburino, V., Zema, D., Zimbone, S.M. 2007. A method for assessing channelization effects on riparian vegetation in a mediterranean environment. River Research and Applications, 23: 613–630.
2006
GURNELL, A.M., van Oosterhout, M.P., de Vlieger, B., Goodson, J.M. 2006. Reach-scale impacts of aquatic plant growth on physical habitat, River Research and Applications 22: 667-680.
Boitsidis, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Scott, M., Petts, G.E., Armitage, P.A. 2006. Decision support system for identifying the habitat quality and rehabilitation potential of urban rivers. Water and Environment Journal 20: 1-11.
GURNELL, A.M., Morrissey, I.P., Boitsidis, A.J., Bark, A., Clifford, N.J., Petts, G.E., Thompson, K., 2006. Initial Adjustments within a New River Channel: Interactions between Fluvial Processes, Colonising Vegetation and Bank Profile Development. Environmental Management 38, 580-596.
GURNELL, A.M., Boitsidis, A.J., Thompson, K. and Clifford, N.J., 2006. Seed bank, seed dispersal and vegetation cover: Colonisation along a newly-created river channel. Journal of Vegetation Science, 17, 665-674.
GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E., 2006. Trees as riparian engineers: the Tagliamento River, Italy. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 31, 1558-1574
GURNELL, A.M., 2006. Analogies between the dynamics of mineral sediments and vegetative particles in fluvial systems. Geomorphology. In press and available on line at www.sciencedirect.com.
Francis, R.A. and GURNELL, A.M., 2006. Initial establishment of vegetative fragments within the active zone of a natural braided gravel-bed river (River Tagliamento, NE Italy). Wetlands, 26.
Francis, R.A., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E. and Edwards, P.J. 2006. Riparian tree establishment on gravel bars: interactions between plant growth strategy and the physical environment. International Association of Sedimentologists Special Publication 36, 361-380.
2005
Francis, R.A., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E. and Edwards, P.J. 2005. Survival and growth responses of Populus nigra, Salix elaeagnos and Alnus incana cuttings to varying levels of hydric stress. Forest Ecology and Management 210: 291-301.
Petts, G.E. and GURNELL, A.M. 2005. Dams and geomorphology: research progress and new directions. Geomorphology 71: 27-47.
GURNELL, A.M., Tockner, K., Petts, G.E. and Edwards, P.J. 2005. Effects of deposited wood on biocomplexity of river corridors. Frontiers in Ecology and Environment, 3, 377-382.
2004
GURNELL, A.M., Goodson, J.M., Angold, P.G., Morrissey, I.P., Petts, G.E., Steiger, J. 2004. Vegetation propagule dynamics and fluvial geomorphology. In: S.J. Bennett and A. Simon (eds) Riparian Vegetation And Fluvial Geomorphology, American Geophysical Union Water Science and Applications 8, 209-219.
Davenport, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Armitage, P.D. 2004. Habitat Survey And Classification Of Urban Rivers. River Research and Applications 20: 687-704.
Emery, J.C., GURNELL, A.M., Clifford, N.J. and Petts, G.E. 2004. Characteristics and controls of gravel-bed riffles: an analysis of data from the River Habitat Survey. Water and Environment Journal, 18: 210-216.
Davenport, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., Armitage, P.D. 2004. Managing urban rivers. In: Hydrology: Science and Practice for the 21st Century, Proceedings of the British Hydrological Society International Conference, 12-16 July 2004, Vol 2, 257-265.
Francis, R.A., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E. 2004. The survival and growth response of Populus nigra fragments within differing hydrogeomorphological conditions. In: Hydrology: Science and Practice for the 21st Century, Proceedings of the British Hydrological Society International Conference, 12-16 July 2004, Vol 2, 80-89.
Goodson, J.M., Davenport, A., GURNELL, A.M., Thompson, K. 2004. Hydrochory, river flow regime and riparian vegetation. In: Hydrology: Science and Practice for the 21st Century, Proceedings of the British Hydrological Society International Conference, 12-16 July 2004, Vol 2, 99-105.
Clifford, N.J., Soar, P.J., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., Emery, J. 2004. Reach-scale river modelling for eco-hydraulic appraisal and rehabilitation design. In: Hydrology: Science and Practice for the 21st Century, Proceedings of the British Hydrological Society International Conference, 12-16 July 2004, Vol 2, 48-55.
Goodson, J.M., Davenport, A.J., GURNELL, A.M., Mountford, J.O., Thompson, K., Clifford, N.J. 2004. Patterns of hydrochory and sediment deposition along UK river corridors. Fifth International Symposium on Ecohydraulics, Aquatic Habitats: Analysis and Restoration, Madrid, 2004, 1061-1066.
Clifford, N.J., Harmar, O., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E. 2004. Numerical simulation of habitat preferences: geostatistical appraisal for eco-hydraulic and river restoration applications. Fifth International Symposium on Ecohydraulics, Aquatic Habitats: Analysis and Restoration, Madrid, 2004, 777-781.
2003
GURNELL, A.M. Peiry, J.-L. and Petts, G.E. 2003. Using Historical Data in Fluvial Geomorphology Chapter 4 in M. Kondolf and H. Piégay (eds) Tools in geomorphology, Wiley, 77-103.
Gregory, S.V., Staley, K. and GURNELL, A.M. (eds.) The Ecology and Management of Wood in World Rivers, American Fisheries Society American Fisheries Society Symposium 37, Bethesda, Maryland
GURNELL, A.M. 2003. Wood storage and mobility. In: S.V. Gregory, K. Staley, A.M. Gurnell (ed.) The Ecology and Management of Wood in World Rivers, American Fisheries Society American Fisheries Society Symposium 37, Bethesda, Maryland, 75-91.
Karrenberg, S., Kollmann, J., Edwards, P.J., GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E. 2003. Longitudinal patterns in woody vegetation along the active zone of a near natural Alpine river. Basic and Applied Ecology 4: 157-166
Steiger, J. and GURNELL, A.M. (2003) Spatial hydro-geomorphological influences on riparian zone sedimentation: observations from the Garonne River, France. Geomorphology 49: 1-23.
Steiger, J.S., GURNELL, A.M. and Goodson, J.M. 2003. Quantifying and characterising contemporary riparian sedimentation. River Research and Applications 19: 335-352.
Goodson, J.M., GURNELL, A.M., Angold, P.G. and Morrissey, I.P. 2003. Evidence for hydrochory and the deposition of viable seeds within winter flow-deposited sediments: the River Dove, Derbyshire, UK. River Research and Applications 19: 317-334.
Tockner, K., Ward, J.V., Arscott, D.B., Edwards, P.J., Kollmann, J., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., Maiolini, B. 2003. The Tagliamento River: An Ecosystem of European Importance. Aquatic Science 65: 239-253.
van der Nat, D. , Tockner, K., Edwards, P.J., Ward, J.V. and GURNELL, A.M. 2003. Habitat change in braided flood plains (Tagliamento, NE-Italy). Freshwater Biology 48: 1-14
Emery, J.C. , GURNELL, A.M., Clifford, N.J., Petts, G.E., Morrissey, I.P. and Soar, P.J. 2003. Classifying the hydraulic performance of riffle-pool beforms for habitat assessment and river rehabilitation design. River Research and Applications 19: 533-549.
2002
Hodson, A., Tranter, M., GURNELL, A.M., Clark, M. and Hagen, J.O. 2002. The hydrochemistry of Bayelva, a high Arctic proglacial stream in Svalbard. Journal of Hydrology 257: 91-114.
GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E. 2002. Island-dominated landscapes of large floodplain rivers, a European perspective. Freshwater Biology 47: 581-600.
GURNELL, A.M., Piégay, H., Swanson, F. and Gregory, S. 2002. Large wood and fluvial processes. Freshwater Biology 74: 601-619.
Goodson, J.M., GURNELL, A.M., Angold, P.G. and Morrissey, I.P. 2002. Riparian Seed Banks along the Lower River Dove, UK: Their Structure and Implications for Riparian Management Geomorphology 47: 45-60
Gregory, K.J., GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E. 2002. Restructuring Physical Geography. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers NS27: 136-154.
2001
Tickner, D.P. , Angold, P.G., GURNELL, A.M. and Mountford, J.O. 2001. Riparian plant invasions: hydrogeomorphological control and ecological impacts. Progress in Physical Geography 25: 22-52.
GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., Hannah, D.M., Smith, B.P.G., Edwards, P.J., Kollmann, J., Ward, J.V. and Tockner, K. 2001. Riparian vegetation and island formation along the gravel-bed Fiume Tagliamento, Italy. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 26: 31-62.
Steiger, J., GURNELL, A.M., Ergenzinger, P. and Snelder, D. 2001. Sedimentation in the riparian zone of an incising river. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 26: 91-108
Davenport, A.J., GURNELL, A.M. and Armitage P.D. 2001. Classifying urban rivers. Water Science and Technology 43: 147-156.
Hannah, D.M. and GURNELL, A.M. 2001. A conceptual linear reservoir runoff model to investigate melt season changes in cirque glacier hydrology. Journal of Hydrology 246: 123-141.
Webster, P. , West, J.R., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., Sadler, J.P. and Forster, C.F. 2001. Development, flood risk and the urban environment: Experiences from the River Tame. Journal of the Chartered Institution of Water Environment Management 15: 167-173.
Goodson, J.M., GURNELL, A.M. and Angold, P.G. 2001. Riparian seed banks: structure, process and implications for riparian management. Progress in Physical Geography 25: 301-325.
Steiger, J., GURNELL, A.M., Petts, G.E., 2001. Sediment deposition along the channel margins of a reach of the middle River Severn, UK. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 17: 441-458.
Smith, B.P.G., Hannah, D.M., GURNELL, A.M. and Petts, G.E. 2002. A hydrogeomorphological framework for ecological research on alpine rivers. Freshwater Biology 46: 1579-1596
Examples of research funding:
Research funding since 2000
Researchers are listed with their current affiliations if they are not at King’s.
2011-
European Commission
Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctoral Programme SMART (Science for MAnagement of Rivers and their Tidal systems)
Joint programme with the University of Trento and Free University of Berlin
http://www.riverscience.eu/
2009–2012
The Leverhulme Trust
Biogeomorphology of Riparian Systems: Space, ime and New Information Sources
PI A. Gurnell, CoI N. Drake
2008–2011
NERC
Physical Ecosystem Engineering by Riparian and Aquatic plants
PI A. Gurnell, CoI M. O'Hare (CEH), also in collaboration with A. Simon and N. Pollen-Bankhead
2008
European Science Foundation, International Workshop on Linkages and feedbacks in highly dynamic alpine, fluvial systems
PI, A Gurnell, CoIs K Tockner (IGB, Berlin), M Tubino (Trento)
2007–2008
Natural England and the People's Trust for Endangered Species
The environmental and social impacts and feasibility of reintroducing the European beaver to England
PI, J. Gurnell (QMUL), CoIs, D. Demeritt, A. Gurnell, S. Rushton (Newcastle), C. Faulkes (QMUL), T. Etherington (CEBSM)
2007–2008
DFID/NERC/ESRC
Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation in Rapidly Changing Economic Transition Zones
PI, D Gyawali (ISET-Nepal), CoIs from ISET-Nepal, ISET-International, KCL. KCL participants are A. Gurnell, G. McGregor, H. Moggridge, D. Mustafa, M. Pelling.
2007–2010
Thames21
Habitat enhancement along the embanked Thames, Central London
PI, R. Francis, CoIs, A. Gurnell, A. Bark
2003–2006
NERC
Vegetation influences on fine sediment and propagule dynamics within groundwater-fed rivers: implications for river management, restoration and riparian biodiversity
PI, A. Gurnell, CoIs and Related Researchers, N. Clifford (Nottingham), O Mountford (CEH, Monks Wood), P. Armitage (CEH Dorset), K. Thompson (Sheffield).
2003–2005
Environment Agency (EU Life)
Sustainable management of urban rivers and floodplains 2
PI, A. Gurnell
2001–2004
NERC
Formation of a new river channel flow, sediment and vegetation dynamics
PI A. Gurnell, CoIs and Related researchers, G. Petts (Westminster) N. Clifford (Westminster), J. French (UCL), K. Thompson (Sheffield)
2003–2005
HR Wallingford (EU Life)
Sustainable management of urban rivers and floodplains 1
PI A. Gurnell
2000–2003
NERC
Woody debris, riparian vegetation and island dynamics
PIs A. Gurnell, G. Petts (Westminster)
1999–2003
NERC
Environmental controls on the colonisation and establishment of riparian vegetation on river banks subject to varying grazing pressure
PI A. Gurnell, CoI P. Angold (Birmingham)
1999–2002
NERC
Physically-based design criteria for riffle-pool sequences in river rehabilitation
PI, N. Clifford (Nottingham), CoIs A Gurnell, G. Petts (Westminster)