Tipping points in Anthropocene fluvial dynamics

Three examples demonstrate the varying impact of human deforestation on floodplain geomorphology.
For the Dijle and Valdaine region this lead to dramatic changes once a certain tipping point is reached.
In contrast the Amblève river is more resilient to human impact due to its specific morphological setting. The morphology of the catchments and the nature of supplied sediments plays a major role in the sensitivity of fluvial systems to environmental impact. Once the tipping points are reached, it is difficult for the river to revert to its original state and floodplains remain highly impacted.