River and stream typology
One of the first essential tasks within ASSESS-HKH is the establishment of a stream typology for the HKH-region. A stream typology is a regional classification of streams characterising their natural differences (e.g. size, altitude, substrate). The stream typology will serve as basis for all subsequent steps of the assessment system development and the definition of mitigation measures. The comparison of a surveyed river reach with near-natural reference sites within the same stream type allows the definition and classification of different states of degradation.
(see also: » Progress: Establishing a stream typology)