Riparian forest
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Ariparian forestorriparian woodlandis a forested or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water such as ariver,stream,pond,lake,marshland,estuary,canal,sinkorreservoir.
Etymology[edit]
The termripariancomes from the Latin wordripa,'river bank'; technically it only refers to areas adjacent to flowing bodies of water such as rivers, streams,sloughsand estuaries. However, the termsriparian forestandriparian zonehave come to include areas adjacent to non-flowing bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, playas and reservoirs.
Characteristics[edit]
Riparian forests are subject to frequentinundation.
Riparian forests help controlsediment,reduce the damaging effects of flooding and aid in stabilizing streambanks.
Riparian zones are transition zones between an upland terrestrial environment and an aquatic environment. Organisms found in this zone are adapted to periodic flooding. Many not only tolerate it, but require it in order to maintain health and complete their lifestyles.[1]
Threats[edit]
Threats to riparian forests:
- Cleared for agricultural use because of the goodsoil quality
- Historically, trees used as wood fuel for steamships, steam locomotives, etc.[2]
- Urban development (housing, roads, malls, etc.)
- Grazing
- Mining
- Disrupted hydrology, such as dams and levees, which reduces the amount and/or frequency of flooding
- Invasive species
See also[edit]
- Bosque
- Gallery forest
- Management of Pacific Northwest riparian forests
- Riparian zone
- Tugay
- Swamp Oak Forests
References[edit]
- ^Molles, M.C. Jr. (2008).Ecology: Concepts and Applications(4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. p.291.ISBN978-0-07-330976-7.
- ^https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/docs/cmnt081712/sldmwa/katibahabriefhistoryofriparianforestsinthecentral%20.pdf[bare URL PDF]
External links[edit]
- "Assessing the Need for a Riparian Management System (RiMS)"—Iowa State University Extension Bulletin (2002)
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