Influence of 200 years of water resource management on a typical central European river. Does industrialization straighten a river?

Abstract Background Over the last 200 years, courses of most European rivers have experienced significant irreversible changes. These changes are connected to different kinds anthropogenic river use and exploitation, which varied from running water mills rafting large-scale hydroelectric power plants, industrial withdrawal flood protection measures. Today, in developed countries, quality ecological development important factors management. The aim this study is evaluate specific impacts time periods during years on their effects current management using example 165-km-long German Rur River (North Rhine-Westphalia). a typical central upland-to-lowland whose catchment has been affected by various phases development. Methods In study, range morphological over determined based historic maps up-to-date orthophotos. length, sinuosity, oxbow structures, sidearms number islands used investigate human impact. results correlated with periods. Results This analysis shows that straightening increases, especially Industrial Revolution, even without direct hydraulic channelization. period grade morphodynamic impact today’s restorations. Since river, show an additional geofactors, such as landform configurations. Conclusions Morphodynamic five between 1801 2019 up introduction EU—Water Framework Directive (EU-WFD). Each influence watercourse, intervention. Even if worldwide comparisons historical differ slightly timing regions, they applicable other areas.