ABSTRACT
This chapter is an introduction to the many practical and theoretical issues that need to be considered when attempting to model the flow of water in open channels and rivers. These issues are illustrated through several worked examples, as well as a number of case studies on actual rivers. Consideration is also given to several related topics, such as: how to schematise a river cross-section or reach, the difficulty of estimating hydraulic roughness and resistance, the hydraulic characteristics of inbank and overbank flows, and flows through bridges and culverts. The data requirements for effective modelling are also considered.
