BS EN 14614 provides guidance on the features to be recorded when characterising and assessing the hydromorphology of rivers. It is based on methods developed, tested, and compared in Europe.
The main aim of BS EN 14614 is to improve the comparability of hydromorphological survey methods, data processing, interpretation and presentation of results. Whilst it has particular importance in relation to the reporting requirements of the Water Framework Directive, it also has considerably wider scope for other applications.
Although hydromorphology is dependent on hydrology and underlying geology, BS EN 14614 is focused on the structural features of rivers and on river continuity. In addition, whilst recognising the important influence of hydromorphology on plant and animal ecology and, conversely, the influence of plants and animals on hydromorphology, no attempt is made to provide guidance in this area.
For more information on characterizing modifications to hydromorpholical features, see BS EN 15843.
