River Morphology High Status Features and Criteria

A key aspect of Water Framework Classification is the determination of hydrological and morphological High Status of water bodies. The UKTAG Classification Report has identified that different parts of the UK may have to take somewhat different methodological approaches to classification but that the overall policy aims are very similar. This paper sets out some consistent principles for a UK national framework for the assessment of morphological, and associated catchment, characteristics of rivers in order to identify riverine water bodies at High morphological status. The purpose of this framework is to achieve consistency despite the considerably different availabilities of relevant data and assessment tools across the UK.