Revetments are used to hold the river in desired alignment by stabilizing the riverbanks.  The type of revetment here is often referred to as a “Log Toe” or “Geotextile” revetment, meaning the riverbank was reinforced with a natural buffer and anchored directly to the bank.

Other buffers might include “spiling” – where a weaved fence made of natural willow trees would be driven into the riverbank, thus blocking strong currents from eroding the bank.  “Mattressing” would be composed of an entire layer of rock laid onto the riverbank, holding the soil in place.