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| − | A '''riparian zone''' or '''riparian area''' is the ecological interface between land and a stream or river. Riparian areas are significant in ecology, environmental management and civil engineering due to their influence on [[biodiversity]], [[soil conservation]] and ecological aquatic processes. Riparian zones dissipate stream energy and facilitate the meandering curves of a river. These curves trap sediment, which builds river banks, replenishes soil, filters pollutants from runoff and reduces turbidity, erosion and flood damage.
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| − | In addition riparian areas provide native landscape irrigation by extending seasonal or perennial flows of water. Nutrients from terrestrial vegetation (e.g. plant litter and insect drop) is transferred to aquatic [[food web]]. The vegetation surrounding the stream helps to shade the water, mitigating water temperature changes and also contributes wood debris to streams which is important to [[geomorphology]].
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| − | Riparian habitats support a large number of species when compared to other landscapes. They are often utilized by wildlife for movement, and buffered stream zones have been documented to facilitate dispersal of animals. Designating protected buffer zones around streams and rivers is an important tool toward preserving connectivity in a region, particularly in a fragmented landscape.
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Latest revision as of 11:28, 28 March 2014
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