Riverbank erosion: a state-of-the-art review

Introduction. Riverbank erosion is a complex, multidimensional process that influences fluvial landscapes, sediment fluxes, and stability of eco-systems. It has affects infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly in riparian and deltaic regions. This topic has attracted considerable scholarly attention due to its environmental and socio-economic implications under the pressures of global change. Materials and methods. This review synthesizes more than 40 years of interdisciplinary research on riverbank erosion. A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases, focusing on seven thematic areas including erosion mechanisms, measurement, modeling, vegetation, climate, and socio-economic impacts. Methodologies include high-resolution remote sensing, sediment fingerprinting, and process-based modeling tools such as BSTEM. Results. The analysis reveals a dynamic interplay between hydraulic forces, soil properties, vegetation traits, climate variability, and human interventions. Key methodological advances have improved monitoring and prediction, yet standardization and integration across spatial and disciplinary scales remain limited. Socio-economic consequences, including displacement and infrastructure loss, are still underrepresented in modeling frameworks. Conclusions. The review highlights critical knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the impact of climate change, invasive species, and cross-scale human activity. It advocates for a systems-based, interdisciplinary approach to improve erosion modeling and support resilient, equitable river management strategies.