An Integrated Approach to Assessing Catchment Resilience: Combining GIS and Field Data in Relation To Climate Change Projections in the River Derwen

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Changing conditions such as land-use and climate change in the UK has affected catchment behaviour, one of the key challenges is related to the removal, redistribution and deposition of sediment within a catchment. The increased deposition of sediment within catchments is causing problems such as increased water quality treatment costs. This is clearly seen within the River Derwent study area. One way to reduce costs associated with water quality treatment is to include the whole supply chain, from land owners to water companies. The source of fine grained sediment within a catchment can be mapped using software such as geographic information systems (GIS). This research aims to produce a GIS model and framework to assessing sensitive reaches and areas within a catchment in relation to fine grained sediment including source areas, sediment pathways and sediment deposition within the catchment. The model will integrate high resolution satellite imagery to inform seasonal changes in land-use and vegetation and climate change projections. Once sensitive reaches have been identified, field work will be undertaken to assess the validity of the output. Field work data collection will include sediment grain size analysis and sediment fingerprinting to identify source areas. The model will identify areas within the catchment where management or intervention is required to reduce the impacts of fine grained sediment. The model will directly benefit Yorkshire Water as creating a GIS model will reduce the costs of fieldwork associated with highlighting these areas. By including the whole supply chain and land-users, costs will be reduced in relation to soil erosion and the removal of valuable top soil. Further reducing the input of fine grained sediment into rivers will reduce flood risk. Water is an integral part of the economy, and by reducing costs associated with water treatment, the water supply will become more resilient. This will help keep a resilient economy, a key challenge with regards to the Industrial Strategy.