The Fluvial Biogeomorphology Summer School, a collaborative effort between the University of Padova and the University of Trento, unfolded from 9 to 13 June in the breathtaking Dolomites. Participants engaged in hands-on field research alongpicturesque rivers, with a particular focus on the Cordevole River, and attended insightful lectures, blending practical experience with theoretical knowledge in this unique alpine setting.

Led by Prof. Simone Bizzi (Department of Geosciences of the University of Padova) and Prof. Walter Bertoldi (Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Trento), this initiative brought together international experts and students from France, Spain, and the UK to study the fascinating interplay between vegetation and fluvial processes.

The summer school placed special emphasis on island formation and stability in river systems, providing participants with a deep understanding of these complex ecological phenomena.

A highlight of the program was the use of cutting-edge technology in field research. Participants had the opportunity to work with drones, satellites, smart sensors, and LiDAR equipment, gaining hands-on experience with tools at the forefront of modern geomorphological study. Additionally, the summer school featured groundbreaking research on root structures and their impact on plant survival, offering valuable insights into the resilience of vegetation in dynamic river environments

Funded by the Green River project and the Project of Excellence, this summer school is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of river dynamics and vegetation interactions.

Shooting and editing by Barbara Paknazar, Communication Officer - Department of Geosciences of the University of Padova

Drone footage by Flamur Bajrami, PhD student - Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Trento