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Riparian Zones

Riparian Zones. Riparian Buffers Affects on Rivers. What is a Riparian Zone?. Riparian Zones are the areas bordering a river or stream Naturally, Riparian Zones tend to be forested areas, however human development can cause the riparian zones to be something else such as:

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Riparian Zones

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  1. Riparian Zones Riparian Buffers Affects on Rivers

  2. What is a Riparian Zone? • Riparian Zones are the areas bordering a river or stream • Naturally, Riparian Zones tend to be forested areas, however human development can cause the riparian zones to be something else such as: • Agriculture fields, pavement (parking lots or roads), mowed areas, gravel or stone, compacted dirt, and more

  3. Why are Riparian Zones Important? • Healthy, natural Riparian Zones are important for both the environment and people • Riparian Zones can: • Slow Flooding • Filter Water • Prevent Contaminated Runoff and Pollution • Provide Habitat • Prevent Erosion • Protect Homes from Erosion, Flooding, and Other River Caused Issues

  4. Pavement Riparian Zones • First trial represented: Pavement • This may be seen because of parking lots or roads • Water can’t infiltrate soil, so it runs directly into rivers • Water moves fast and carries any contaminants straight to rivers • This causes water pollution and flooding

  5. Gravel Riparian Zones • Second trial represented: Gravel or Rocky Riparian Zones • This could occur because a park, playground, driveway, or the removal of soil/erosion • Water moves through gravel, however, large pieces provide very little resistance • Water still moves fast and can carry contaminants straight to rivers • This causes water pollution and flooding

  6. Soil Riparian Zones • Third and Fourth trial represented: Soil Riparian Zones • This could occur because lack of vegetation to hold soil, created by agricultural fields, overgrazing, mowing…etc… • Water still moves slower and some contaminates will be removed. However, soil can be washed into rivers, creating heavy sedimentation and erosion of the land • This causes water pollution, some flooding, erosion and collapse of riverbanks

  7. Vegetated Riparian Zones • Fifth trial represented: Vegetated Riparian Zones • This occurs when Riparian Zones grow naturally • Water moves slowly. It is held up by layers of detritus, vegetation leaves, and vegetation roots. Plants even remove some water by absorbing it. The roots also holds the soil so it does not erode. • The slow infiltration of water through the natural substrate filters and captures pollutants. • This prevents water pollution, quick flooding, and collapse of riverbanks

  8. Special Thanks To: Appalachian Watershed Research Group The Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs Ohio University AEP Foundation

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