Simon Process Based Method

Simon created a process-focused assessment method in response to the Rosgen method, which Simon saw as ignoring channel evolution over time. Key changes made in Simon’s method were to avoid error-prone bankfull-height determinations, and differentiate between channel-bed and bank sediment clast size. This method uses energy and mass-balance equations, as well as computer modeling software, to determine, mainly, bank stability and sediment dynamics within a reach.  For more detail about the different viewpoints surrounding Rosgen’s method, see Lave, 2008 in the Rosgen method description.

Parameters measured include: Slope, pattern (meander, straight, braided), Primary Bed Material, Bed/bank protection, degree of incision, degree of constriction, streambank erosion, streambank instability, riparian woody vegetation, bank accretion, “stage of channel evolution”, composition of adjacent side slope, percentage slope (length) contributing sediment, and severity of side-slope erosion

References: 

Rosgen, D. L., 2008. Discussion. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 44(3), 782-792

Simon, A., M. Doyle, M. Kondolf, F. D. Shields, B. Rhoads, and M. McPhillips. 2007. Critical Evaluation of How the Rosgen Classification and Associated “Natural Channel Design” Methods Fail to Integrate and Quantify Fluvial Processes and Channel Response. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, JAWRA 43(5), 1117-1131

Simon, A., M. Doyle, M. Kondolf, F. D. Shields, B. Rhoads, and M. McPhillips. 2008. REPLY TO DISCUSSION. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, JAWRA 44(3), 782-792