Methods for the Quantitative Assessment of Channel Processes in Torrents (Steep Streams)

Dieter Rickenmann is a senior research scientist at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland. He has a degree as Civil Engineer from ETH Zürich in Switzerland and a PhD degree from ETH Zürich. In 2002 he was appointed Professor for Alpine Natural Hazards at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. Since 2007 he is back at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, focusing mainly on sediment transport processes and debris flows in steep headwater catchments.

• 1 Introduction2 Flow resistance in gravel-bedded streams and torrents3 Fluvial bedload transport4 Debris flows5 Magnitude and frequency of torrent events6 General remarks on hazard assessment of channel processes in torrents

During the last decades, Dieter Rickenmann has studied the processes of solid transports in torrents and mountain streams. His contribution in terms of knowledge is really consequent [....] In this work, the latest tools for computing hydraulics, bedload transport, wood transport and debris flows are recalled […] and placed in a larger context by considering worldwide literature. This book is really welcome […] as not many books concern themselves with practical application [....] It will undoubtedly be useful for technicians and engineers in charge of torrent work and management.Dr. Alain Recking, Senior Researcher at IRSTEA, Grenoble, FranceThis is a precious guide to understanding flow and sediment transport in mountain streams […] The book provides […] an impressive set of quantitative tools, with several examples of application in alpine torrents.Dr. Frédéric Liebault, Senior Researcher at IRSTEA, Grenoble, FranceThe entire book expresses concepts and describes methods in a very clear, effective and appropriate form and it provides the reader with all the information needed to independently handle the scientific and technical questions that can arise during their work. It explains the assessment tools of torrent-channel processes, and its content is of the highest quality and completely up-to-date as to the present research position. The book will be of great value to high-level practitioners (hydraulic engineers, geologists, forestry and environmental scientists), researchers and MSc/PhD students.Prof. Eng. Vincenzo D’Agostino,TESAF Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy