Breaking the Bank: Social-ecological and functional benefits of river-floodplain (re)connectivity

River corridor science is an evolving multidisciplinary field that investigates how geology, hydrology, and biology interact to shape stream morphology, evolution, and connectivity. Recent research highlights that river corridors—including active channels, adjacent floodplains, and the underlying hyporheic zone—form integrated systems in which the structural and functional pathways enable the flow of organisms, energy, and matter across temporal and spatial scales. However, the complexity of channel-floodplain connectivity is increasing under widespread human-induced disturbance and extensive modifications, particularly amid intensifying climate change. Despite significant advances in observation and modeling techniques, knowledge gaps persist regarding nonlinearity, heterogeneity, temporal and spatial scale dependence, and the balanced integration of ecological processes with human needs. Addressing these gaps demands a cohesive dialogue and collaboration among diverse disciplines and stakeholders, ranging from biogeochemistry and geomorphology to social and regulatory fields.This Research Topic aims to advance integrative and multidisciplinary explorations of river corridor and channel-floodplain connectivity, especially within human-modified basins experiencing environmental change. The main objective is to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among scientists, engineers, decision makers, and community partners to better understand, manage, and restore river-floodplain systems. The Research Topic will encourage studies that assess scientific progress in observation and monitoring, analytical strategies , and predictive framing, as well as the translation of process-based understanding into practical management, restoration, and policy frameworks. It places special emphasis on addressing technical and social uncertainties, process feedbacks, and system equifinality, while promoting an exchange of knowledge that bridges research and management practice.To advance understanding within these parameters, the Research Topic welcomes submissions that contribute empirical, conceptual, and methodological insights into river corridor connectivity in varied socio-environmental contexts. The scope is intentionally broad but excludes research not centered on integrated channel-floodplain systems or lacking a multidisciplinary or applied management dimension. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Scientific advances in observation and monitoring techniques across spatial and temporal scales (e.g., field sampling, stream gaging, remote sensing)- Innovative analytical strategies and predictive modeling, including statistical, process-based, and AI/ML approaches- System feedbacks, nonlinearity, heterogeneity, and issues of scale dependence and observability- Biogeochemical, ecological, hydrological, and geomorphological interactions within river corridors- Case studies that integrate science into river management, restoration, engineering, and regulatory frameworks- Collaborative approaches involving social science, community partners, and cross-sectoral engagementAppendix: We invite the following article types—Original Research, Case Studies, Review Articles, and Methods & Tools—exploring any of the above facets of river-floodplain connectivity.Please follow - About journal > For authors > article types - to view detailed descriptions for each article type. • Original Research: Reports on primary, unpublished studies, up to 12,000 words.• Systematic Review: Synthesizes previous research, meta-analyses, and meta-syntheses, up to 12,000 words.• Methods: Presents new or established methods, protocols, or techniques, up to 12,000 words.• Brief Research Report: Concise reports of original research or preliminary findings, maximum 4,000 words, and no more than 4 Figures/Tables.• Mini Review: Concise, peer-reviewed summaries, maximum 3,000 words, with no more than 2 Figures/Tables.• General Commentary: Critical comments on previous Frontiers publications, maximum 1,000 words Topic editors: Rebecca Diehl, Nicholas Sutfin, Hima J. Hassenruck-Gudipati, Se Jong Cho Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78442/breaking-the-bank-social-ecological-and-functional-benefits-of-river-floodplain-reconnectivity