The Rhône Sediment Observatory is an interdisciplinary research programme created in 2009 in the context of the Rhône Plan. OSR was co-created by scientists and managers to produce strong and shared knowledge of hydro-sedimentary processes along the entire length of the Rhône River, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea.
OSR has scientific missions, but with a recognised operational dimension. It contributes to the implementation of the Master Plan for Water Development and Management (SDAGE) and to the elaboration of the Plan for Rhône Sediments Management (SGSR). The observatory focuses on the management issues related to the hydro-sedimentary processes in a large river as the Rhône. It studies the links between these hydro-sedimentary processes and the diversity of natural environments, the flow and storage of pollutants, the evolution of the delta and the coastline, or the risk of flooding.
OSR contributes to the development and assessment of sediment management operations, whether these be operations linked to industrial activities (APAVER, sediments flushing, dredging, etc.) or restoration projects implemented to improve the ecological quality of the river (dismantling of dykes and groynes, sediments inputs, etc.).
Find out more about the related research programs
The OSR’s activities are supported by the Rhône-Saône Plan.
OSR is funded by the European Union (ERDF), the Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse Water Agency, CNR, EDF and the Region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Region Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Region Occitanie.