Biogeomorphology Platform

Goal of the platform

The goal of the platform is to provide networking and stimulate interaction between researchers in the field of biogeomorphology. 

Within the platform ongoing and new research issues are discussed from the viewpoint of potential co-operation in joint projects and sharing of knowledge and resources. The platform furthermore discusses issues related to student teaching and training.  

Activities of the platform

The platform organises thematic meetings, related to research issues in fresh, brackish and marine systems. Effort will be made to elaborate the relevance of biogeomorphology to end-users and to define research needs for issues in relation to ecosystem management.  

Members

The platform consists at present of members of many Netherlands research institutes and end-users. The platform is not per definition limited to Dutch organizations and welcomes input of other interested parties.

NCK & NCR

The Biogeomorphology Platform has been founded in December 2003 by Delft University of Technology and WL | Delft Hydraulics. Since January 2009 the platform is part of the NCK and NCR, the Dutch co-operations between research institutes and universities in the fields of coastal research (NCK) and river research (NCR). 

What is biogeomorphology?

Biogeomorphology is the study of the interaction between geomorphological features and organisms. See: Definition in Marbefwiki

Biogeomorphology is a relatively new discipline within the study of water systems. This discipline combines ecology and geomorphology. Geomorphology is the study of landforms and their formation. Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. The environment can be defined as factors that affect organisms. These factors can be abiotic (physical, chemical), biotic (other organisms) or anthropogenic (humans).

Research in The Netherlands

In the Netherlands biogeomorphology related research is executed in the field, in laboratory facilities and includes development of mathematical models. Main areas of research are:

• Modelling-, field- and experimental study on biogeomorphology of river floodplains.
• Fieldwork on the interaction of saltmarshes with currents, waves and sediment transport.
• Fieldwork in the North Sea on relations between organisms and the seabed.
• Experiments on interactions of waves and currents with aquatic vegetation.
• Model development on flow, wave patterns affected by vegetation.
• Model development on sediment transport and sediment composition in relation to vegetation and biological (de)stabilizers of the sediment.