The research group studies the dynamical interaction of hydrological and geomorphological processes, mediated by vegetation growth, that control the morphodynamic evolution of fluvial and coastal systems. With case studies spanning different countries and continents (Italy, France, UK, USA, Australia, Asia) through research collaborations with various institutions (Universities, local governments, ISPRA, European Commission, the Po Water Authority, international NGOs, private companies) and a range of research collaborations, the group activity has led to a multi-disciplinary approach covering a range of fields including: fluvial and coastal geomorphology and morphodynamics, hydrology, hydraulics, system analysis, water resource management, and freshwater and saltwater biology.

One of the main research goals concerns the development of new understanding about contemporary geomorphic processes shaping river and coastal systems, and to predict the effects of anthropic disturbances (e.g., dams, land use changes, river engineering, coastal landscape regulation) and climatic changes (e.g., glacier melting, new magnitude and frequency of rainfalls and storms) on the future geomorphological trajectories of such systems.

Methodologically the group relies heavily on novel quantitative methods to monitor and model river and coastal processes including numerical modelling, geospatial analysis (by Python, Matlab, GIS), and recent advances in earth observation (e.g., Google Earth Engine, use of drones, adoption of sensors such as hyperspectral, lidar, and ADCP). 

Professors coordinating and developing projects related to this research pathway: Nicola Surian, Andrea D'Alpaos, Simone Bizzi, Massimiliano Ghinassi, Paolo Scotton, Alvise Finotello