Riparian forest

A riparian forest or riparian woodland is a forested or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, stream, pond, lake, marshland, estuary, canal, sink or reservoir.

A dry riparian forest in Western Sydney

Etymology
Riparian forest in Záhorie Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia

The term riparian comes from the Latin word ripa, 'river bank'; though, technically it only refers to areas adjacent to flowing bodies of water such as rivers, streams, sloughs, and estuaries. However, the terms riparian forest and riparian zone have come to include areas adjacent to non-flowing bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, playas and reservoirs.

Characteristics
A riparian forest area along a tributary to Lake Erie
Atlantic coastal salt marsh

Riparian forests are subject to frequent inundation.

Riparian forests help control sediment, reduce the damaging effects of flooding and aid in stabilizing stream banks.

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

Threats to riparian forest:

  • Cleared for agriculture because of the good soil in riparian forest
  • Woods are removed for steamships, railroads, etc.
  • Urban development
  • Grazing
  • Mining
  • Disrupted hydrology, such as dams and levees, which causes less flooding
  • Invasive species
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See also

References
  1. Molles, M.C. Jr. (2008). Ecology: Concepts and Applications (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. p. 291. ISBN 0-07-330976-1.


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