Natural/Unmodified profiles
NATURAL/UNMODIFIED PROFILES
Record in the ‘left’ and ‘right’ bank columns the profiles (slopes) of unmodified banks. The first category covers all vertical banks, including ‘cliffs’ and smaller vertical banks such as on chalks streams. Banks with an angle greater than 45% and not fully vertical should be recorded as ‘steep’, whilst banks with lower slopes can be recorded as ‘gentle’.
All natural bank profiles are recorded here. In cases where there is uncertainty over bank profile, record them as best as possible in the natural/unmodified categories, take a photo/video and ask for advice.
Vertical/undercut
Predominantly vertical banks, which may include eroding and stable cliffs.
Vertical bank
Vertical with toe
Vertical bank with slumped material at base.
Vertical bank with toe
Steep
Bank slope >=45˚ angle, but not predominantly vertical.
Steep bank
Gentle
Bank slope <45˚.
Steep on left, gentle on right
Composite
Banks with complex profile which may be caused by previous slumping or sequences of channel erosion.
Composite Bank
Natural berm
See detailed definition in Section E and Figure E4. A transitional feature that requires a well-trained eye to confirm its presence. Beware: if artificial two-stage channels have been excavated just above the original river bed level, these may, over time, appear ‘like a new floodplain’; if so, do not record here.
Natural Berm