Topic outline

  • Understanding Fluvial Systems (Wetlands, Streams, Flood Plains)

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Fluvial systems are described as "a continuum longitudinally and laterally that grade across the various landscape positions and have common functions and attributes". A selection of classification and assessment methodologies currently available for various landscape positions is presented and the applicability of each described.

    This course describes landscape positions which include: streams, floodplains, wetlands, stream corridors, and riparian zones, and this course uses the term “fluvial system” to include these landscapes under a single term.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to the fluvial system landscape
    • Connectivity, hydrologic complexity
    • Fluvial systems without a stream component
    • Hydrogeomorphic wetland classification system
    • Defining the stream component of the fluvial system  
    • Use of stream order in fluvial systems
    • Classification systems for the stream component
    • Fluvial system assessment models (SVAP, PFC )
    • Summary of classification and assessment systems
    • Soil hydrodynamics for fluvial systems
    • Soil taxonomy, hydric soils
    • Importance of epi- and endosaturation interpretations
    • Fluvial systems with organic soils (Histosols)

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
    After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for stream, hydraulic, water resource, civil, construction, and environmental engineers.
    Publication Source: USDA NRCS

    Donald Parnell, PE

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