Characterisation of hydromorphology (DCE)

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View data on a map ALBER View data on a map CHARLI

CONTEXT

Hydromorphology, a term introduced by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), refers to all the physical (morphological and hydrological) conditions and processes that determine the living environment of aquatic organisms and shape their habitats. As a major element in the structure and resilience of lake ecosystems, hydromorphology is considered by the WFD as a 'biologically supporting' parameter to be taken into account when assessing the ecological status of water bodies.

The pressures exerted on lake ecosystems, and in particular those linked to human activities, can significantly alter their hydromorphological characteristics, leading to malfunctions and degradation of habitats for flora and fauna.

To meet regulatory requirements and improve knowledge of French lake ecosystems, several methods have been developed by the ECLA Cluster to describe the physical characteristics of water bodies (CHARLI data) and their alterations (ALBER data), as well as the pressures exerted at the different scales of hydromorphological functioning (i.e. from the catchment area to the interior of the water body).

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