At the Earth Observation Research Cluster (EORC), researchers study how Earth’s surface processes shape landscapes and ecosystems. Florian Betz contributes to this work by investigating river dynamics and fluvial biogeomorphology, with a particular focus on river systems in Central Asia.
Understanding Changing River Systems
Florian’s research focuses on how river corridors form, evolve, and respond to environmental change. Rivers are dynamic systems which are shaped by the complex interaction of hydrologic, geomorphic and ecologic processes. By studying these processes and their interactions, his work contributes to a better understanding how riverine landscapes emerge and how they adapt to shifting climatic and hydrologic conditions as well as to anthropogenic interventions.
Remote Sensing Across Remote Landscapes
Much of Florian’s work examines river systems across the vast and often remote landscapes of Central Asia. Using Earth observation data and geospatial analysis, he investigates how the interaction of hydro-morphology and vegetation across multiple spatial and temporal scales drives the development of riverine landscapes. Remote sensing, in particular satellite time series analysis, is key to observe river dynamics across regions and work towards globally consistent analysis of river systems.
Linking Processes and Regional Change
Working within the interdisciplinary environment of EORC, Florian combines remote sensing with geomorphological analysis to better understand the processes shaping river landscapes. His research contributes to broader efforts to monitor environmental change and improve knowledge on the role of river dynamics for supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services in Central Asia and beyond.
