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 Hydromorphological quality elements

The ecological classification system required under the WFD describes hydromorphological elements as 'supporting the biological elements'. This means assessing pressures and impacts on:

• ·         hydrological regime (quantity and dynamics of flow, connection to groundwater);
• ·         continuity (ability of sediment and migratory species to pass freely up and down rivers and laterally with the floodplain);
• ·         morphology (i.e. physical habitat – compositions of substrate, width/depth variation, structure of bed, banks and riparian zone).