Stream network response to rapid base level changes: preliminary appraisal in the Urmia Lake catchment (northwestern Iran)

Over the last two decades water level has dramatically dropped (i.e. about 7 m in period 1995-2014) in the Urmia Lake (north- western Iran) (Sima and Tajrishy, 2013; Tourian et al., 2015; ULRP, 2015). Such rapid change of water level is likely having significant effects on the stream network draining into the lake. The aim of this work is to give an overview of the potential effects of rapid base level changes on a stream network, specifically channel adjustments (e.g. incision) and related environmental impacts. The work does not analyze in detail stream dynamics in the Urmia Lake catchment, but it could represent a starting point for future studies on channel adjustments and related impacts in this catchment. Field and laboratory