Research Projects

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) systems have a dynamic flow pattern, with low precipitation and high evapotranspiration in dry and semi-arid regions leading to their intermittence characteristics. The discharge decreases downstream in IRES, contrary to the increasing trend of general rivers. This may be a naturally occurring phenomenon, but the formation or conversion of perennial rivers to IRES has expanded due to anthropogenic causes. IRES systems are highly sensitive to climate, influenced by weather patterns and temperature variations. Climate change and temperature increase have accelerated the drying of river channels and impacted the potential of IRES to regain its ecological integrity and biodiversity. This study aims to prepare a methodological framework for River Health assessment of IRES, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The main objective is to develop a process-based framework for river health analysis through an integrated understanding of hydrology and morphology at different spatial scales. This project will provide important data and process understanding of hydro-geomorphic characteristics, essential for carrying out any management action plan. The proposed project will help answer some of the less asked but important questions of IRES network, such as the relationship between magnitude-frequency and hydro-morphological process, important data points to assess river health, and hydro-morphological controls on the sustainability of intermittent rivers' health.