Urban impacts on river functionality: semi-arid rivers of America and Europe

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47456/geo.v6i43.52215

Keywords:

urban rivers; fluvial geomorphology; semi-arid basins

Abstract

Urban rivers exhibit profound alterations in their hydrological and geomorphological dynamics as a consequence of urban sprawl, floodplain development, and infrastructure construction. This study evaluates the hydrogeomorphological quality of two urban rivers in semi-arid regions of the Americas (Mexico) and Europe (Spain) using the Hydrogeomorphological Index. The methodology integrates spatial analysis, fieldwork, historical hydrological data, and the delineation of functional reaches. The results reveal a marked contrast between urban and peri-urban reaches, with the former showing the lowest hydrogeomorphological quality values, associated with channel fragmentation, altered flow regimes, and degradation of the riparian corridor. Based on the diagnosis, the implications for the management and improvement of urban rivers are discussed, through a set of measures aimed at functional restoration and enhancing socio-environmental resilience.

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Author Biographies

  • Aylet Vega-Aguilar, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, University of Zaragoza

    Aylet Vega Aguilar is a doctoral student at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), Mexico, and the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Her research focuses on environmental analysis and water engineering, integrating remote sensing, geomatics, and modeling techniques for hydrological risk assessment and sustainable water resource management. She has participated in research on wastewater treatment, remote sensing for environmental monitoring, and watershed analysis. Her research interests include the application of geospatial technologies and machine learning for the evaluation of hydraulic infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

  • Alfredo Ollero Ojeda, University of Zaragoza

    Alfredo Ollero Ojeda holds a PhD in Geography and is a Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Zaragoza, where he is a member of the University Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA). His research focuses on fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, flood risk management, river restoration, and global change. He has extensive teaching and research experience, with over 30 years of academic experience and participation in competitive research projects. He has published numerous scientific articles, books, and book chapters in the field of environmental sciences and has supervised several doctoral theses. He has served as an advisor to scientific and environmental institutions and has contributed to the development of hydrogeomorphology-based approaches for the sustainable management of rivers.

  • Fabiola Doracely Yépez-Rincón, Autonomous University of Nuevo León

    Fabiola Doracely Yépez Rincón holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences and is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), where she serves as Head of the Geomatics Department and leader of the Academic Group in Water Sciences. She is a member of the National System of Researchers (Level I) and has over 120 scientific publications in national and international journals. Her research focuses on advanced geomatics, remote sensing, geographic information systems, climate change, and disaster risk management. She has participated in projects with an impact on public policy, such as risk atlases and climate adaptation strategies.

  • Kevin David Rodríguez González, Autonomous University of Nuevo León

    Kevin Davis Rodríguez González is a doctoral student in Engineering at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), Mexico. His academic and research background lies in the area of ​​environmental engineering and geomatics applied to the analysis of socio-environmental problems. His work focuses on the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the study of urban watersheds and the identification of environmental risks. He has participated in research on spatial analysis of pollution, environmental modeling, and the evaluation of territorial dynamics in urban contexts. His interests include the integration of geospatial data and technological tools to support sustainable water management and environmental monitoring.

  • Daniel Salas Limón

    Académico y profesional especializado en ingeniería hidráulica y ciencias del agua. Actualmente es director de la Facultad de Ingeniería Civil de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León para el periodo 2025–2028. Su trayectoria se ha orientado a la docencia, la formación de estudiantes, la gestión académica y la vinculación con los sectores hídrico y de infraestructura. Ha participado activamente en organizaciones profesionales de ingeniería civil y abastecimiento de agua, tanto en Nuevo León como en el ámbito internacional. En 2019 recibió el George Warren Fuller Award, otorgado por el servicio destacado en el campo del abastecimiento de agu

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Ubicación de la subcuenca urbana del río Pesquería (Cuenca del río Bravo, México).

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Published

12-08-2026

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 43 (2026): Geografares Journal

Section

Papers Varia

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How to Cite

VEGA-AGUILAR, A. et al. Urban impacts on river functionality: semi-arid rivers of America and Europe. Geografares, v. 6, n. 43, p. e-52215, 12 Aug.2026.