Adjustments in channel form, sediment calibre and vegetation around check-dams in the headwater reaches of mountain torrents, Calabria, Italy.

The article discusses the analysis of channel form, sediment calibre and vegetation around check-dams in the headwater reaches of mountain torrents in Calabria, Italy. Several analysis and surveys were developed to investigate the impact of the installation of check-dams within the confined headwaters of steep streams. The data were used to evaluate active channel form, sediment calibre, and the feature development of riparian vegetation. Detailed field measurements determined the results of the study including the estimates of indices of vegetation extent and downstream gradient. Data set analysis of the results suggest that significant changes in channel form and sediment calibre upstream of check-dams were associated with more consistent vegetation development across the active channel.