Stream Network Clustering Attributes for Standard Modular Hydropower (SMH) Explorer

Overview

Site classification is a key standardizing concept and component of SMH research, addressing the perception that hydropower development is predominantly site-specific. Site classification consists of analyses and tools that identify similarities in stream-reach, landscape, and biological characteristics across river systems. These similarities are classified into a finite number of clusters such that differences among characteristics within a cluster are limited. In theory, stream reaches within a given cluster share enough common characteristics that, should development be pursued on any given stream reach, design requirements would not vary significantly across sites.