Stream Networks and Riparian ZonesStream Networks and Riparian ZonesLandscape EcologyLandscape Ecology

(EEES 4760/6760)(EEES 4760/6760)

Basic terminologyBasic terminologyStream NetworkStream Network

· Structure· Function· Management

Reading: Gregory, S.V., F.J. Swanson, W.A. McKee, and K.W. Cummins. 1991. An ecosystem perspective of riparian zones. Bioscience 41(8): 540-551.

River Continuum Concept:

•Streams and rivers in a landscape are connected to each other to form a geographic and biological network. Biotic and abiotic characteristics, function, and movement and distribution of biota and other matters are directly related to this network. e.g., aquatic species, vegetation, water quality, movement of wildlife and dispersal of seeds.

Riparian zone:

•Streamside•Streamside with distinguished vegetation and soil moisture•Flooding area•3-D perspective: outward to the limits of flooding and upward into the canopy of stream side vegetation. Obviously, it is scale dependent.

Hyporheic zone:

•The interstitial habitat beneath the streambed that is the interface between water and the adjoining groundwater; HZ was thought to be shallow and narrow but was found 3 km wide and 10 m deep on the Flathead, Montana.

Stream Networks of Stream Networks of Five Watershed in Five Watershed in Continental U.S.Continental U.S.

Methods of Ordering Streams Methods of Ordering Streams Within a Drainage Basin Within a Drainage Basin (from Ritter et (from Ritter et al. 1995)al. 1995)

Riparian ZoneRiparian Zone

STAND LEVEL

•Species resource (gene pool) and habitat•Microclimate•Course Woody Debris (CWD)•Nutrient-energy sources•Water quality and quantity•Recreational values•Other social values

LANDSCAPE LEVEL

•Landscape Corridors•Landscape Connectivity•Cumulative effects