Hydrology: Attributes of a Healthy Stream
An alluvial stream is one whose channel is composed of the sediments transported by the stream itself and that generally changes the shape of its bed as the rate of flow changes. (Adapted from Attributes of an alluvial river and their relation to water policy and management by Trash, McBain, and Leopold).
Attribute Six (Part C): Flooding Cycles Nutrients
Rivers play a major role in shaping the landscape and creating habitat for flora and fauna. Habitat along rivers and streams is as rich and diverse as anywhere. Much of that richness is from the sediment deposited by floodwaters as they spread across the floodplain.
As water covers the floodplain, flow velocity decreases, and sediment begins to settle out. After the flood, a fresh accumulation of fine sands and silts are left behind on the floodplain. These deposits are nutrient rich and promote the regeneration and growth of riparian vegetation.
When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.
Click the image to see how floodplain flooding promotes nutrient cycling. When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.
Hydrology: Attributes of a Healthy Stream
An alluvial stream is one whose channel is composed of the sediments transported by the stream itself and that generally changes the shape of its bed as the rate of flow changes. (Adapted from Attributes of an alluvial river and their relation to water policy and management by Trash, McBain, and Leopold).
Attribute Six (Part C): Flooding Cycles Nutrients
Rivers play a major role in shaping the landscape and creating habitat for flora and fauna. Habitat along rivers and streams is as rich and diverse as anywhere. Much of that richness is from the sediment deposited by floodwaters as they spread across the floodplain.
As water covers the floodplain, flow velocity decreases, and sediment begins to settle out. After the flood, a fresh accumulation of fine sands and silts are left behind on the floodplain. These deposits are nutrient rich and promote the regeneration and growth of riparian vegetation.
When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.
Click the image to see how floodplain flooding promotes nutrient cycling. When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.
Hydrology: Attributes of a Healthy Stream
An alluvial stream is one whose channel is composed of the sediments transported by the stream itself and that generally changes the shape of its bed as the rate of flow changes. (Adapted from Attributes of an alluvial river and their relation to water policy and management by Trash, McBain, and Leopold).
Attribute Six (Part C): Flooding Cycles Nutrients
Rivers play a major role in shaping the landscape and creating habitat for flora and fauna. Habitat along rivers and streams is as rich and diverse as anywhere. Much of that richness is from the sediment deposited by floodwaters as they spread across the floodplain.
As water covers the floodplain, flow velocity decreases, and sediment begins to settle out. After the flood, a fresh accumulation of fine sands and silts are left behind on the floodplain. These deposits are nutrient rich and promote the regeneration and growth of riparian vegetation.
When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.
Click the image to see how floodplain flooding promotes nutrient cycling. When flood waters retreat they leave behind fresh deposits of sands and silts full of nutrients and carbon that promote the growth of riparian vegetation.