Floodplain
Définition
Sens commun
Valley bottom adjacent to a stream which is (or, in the past, was) periodically flooded.Source
According to AFNOR
Hydromorphology
Specific power of a river
Définition
Sens technique
Power calculated as the product of the slope and flow rate that characterizes the dynamic potential of the river. The adjustment capacity of the river is largely a function of the specific power.Source
According to Seine-Normandy Water Agency
Morphology
Définition
Sens commun
Science that studies the characteristics, configuration and evolution of forms of grounds and rocks. The main elements that characterize it are: the cross section profile, longitudinal profile, meanderings, river styles, flow velocity, succession of facies, grain size variations, riparian corridor, and the relationship with the alluvial groundwater sheet.Source
According to OFB
Spawning run
Définition
Sens commun
Action of migratory fish going up a river to reach its spawning or growth area.Source
According to Rhone-Alps Regional Council
Meander
Définition
Sens commun
Section between two successive turning points. On the outside of the curve (or extrados) the concave river bank is eroded, steep, and conducive to lateral erosion. On the inside of the curve (or intrados) the convex river bank is sloping gently, suitable for sedimentation of alluvial benches. There are two main types of meanders, incised meanders and free meanders, and an intermediate type, forced cut meanders.
Source
According to Cemagref
Minor bed
Définition
Sens commun
Part of the bed between well-marked river banks in which water entirely flows outside periods of very high-flow and overflowing. The minor bed includes the low-water channel. Its limit is the bankfull discharge channel. In the case of a braided bed, there may be several flow channels. The minor bed is home to varied flora and fauna (fish, invertebrates, crayfish, mussels, diatoms, macrophytes, etc) whose population status is closely linked to the heterogeneity of the bed and to connections with the floodplain and
Source
According to OFB
Bankfull discharge bed
Définition
Sens technique
Limit beyond which the water spills into the floodplain. It corresponds to the high-flow (or morphogenetic flow). Calculating the width of the bankfull discharge bed is a convenient measurement unit to describe the relationship between the size of the watercourse and its
Source
According to OFB
Low-flow channel
Définition
Sens technique
Part of the bed in which there is always water. It corresponds to the low-flow. Also referred to as "summer bed".
Source
According to OFB
Bed
Définition
Sens commun
Part generally located in the valley bottom in which a stream flows under the effect of gravity. Depending on the flow, we distinguish the low-water channel, the minor bed, the average water-level bed, the bankfull discharge bed and the floodplain.Source
According to OFB
Invert
Définition
Sens commun
Part of a shallow stream with fast flow whose surface is heterogeneous and "broken" above gravel/pebbles or gravel substrates.Source
According to OFB