Integrating Climate and Geomorphology to Assess Sediment Load Responses in River Basins

The fluvial geomorphology field has long investigated the interplay between climate, hydrology, and sediment transport in river systems. Recent studies indicate that shifts in global and regional climate patterns — especially in rainfall intensity, temperature, and land-use changes — profoundly influence sediment production, erosion rates, and deposition dynamics within watersheds. Predicting sediment load accurately is essential for managing water quality, soil fertility, and the sustainability of hydraulic structures such as dams and spurs. However, despite the growing body of research, uncertainty persists in quantifying sediment yield under future climate scenarios due to the complex interactions between climatic, geomorphological, and anthropogenic factors affecting sediment generation and transport.Recent modeling advances have offered two main pathways to address sediment prediction: empirical models based on observed discharge and catchment parameters, and physically-based distributed or semi-distributed models that simulate erosion and sediment transport processes spatially. Although empirical approaches allow quick estimations, they often lack robustness under non-stationary climate conditions. Conversely, process-based models capture system dynamics but require detailed datasets that may be unavailable for many regions. Comparative studies have highlighted that neither approach fully resolves the temporal and spatial variability in sediment fluxes. Thus, a demand remains for integrated frameworks that combine data-driven methods, process-based understanding, and climate projections to improve sediment load estimation at multiple scales.This Research Topic aims to advance modeling, analysis, and prediction of river sediment loads under climate change by combining empirical and physically-based approaches. It encourages contributions that explore how changing climatic and geomorphologic parameters influence sediment generation, transport, and deposition. By examining hydrological responses, sediment pathways, and model uncertainties, this Topic seeks to establish a more unified predictive basis for sediment management in river systems subject to future climate stresses.To gather further insights into climate–sediment interactions across spatial and temporal scales, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Effect of climatic and geomorphologic parameters on sediment load generation- Quantitative assessment of rainfall intensity and temperature impacts on sediment dynamics- Influence of land-use and cover changes on erosion and sediment fluxes- Relationship between sediment load variation and flood risk- Impact of sediment load on water resource infrastructures such as dams and spurs- Comparative evaluation of empirical and process-based sediment load models- Development of integrated models for predicting daily and monthly sediment loads. Topic editors: Mohammad Azamathulla Hazi, Dr.Vishwanadham Mandala, Upaka Rathnayake, Bimlesh Kumar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83398/integrating-climate-and-geomorphology-to-assess-sediment-load-responses-in-river-basins