Hydromorphological Quality Elements (HYMOQE)

General description

For the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the assessment of ecological status of water bodies may be complemented with use of hydrogeomorphological (HYMO) indicators. For inland surface waters these are:

• Hydrological regime
  • Quantity and dynamics of water flow
  • Connection to groundwater bodies

• River continuity

• Morphological conditions
  • River depth and width variation
  • Structure and substrate of the river bed
  • Structure of the riparian zone
  • Structure of the floodplain

Case studies referred to each HYMOQE

Each HYMOQE is indicated below as a separate Category. Click on it to see the corresponding list of case studies.