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Dynamic river networks as the context for evaluating riparian influence on river basin solute export
Citation:
WIGINGTON JR, P. J. Dynamic river networks as the context for evaluating riparian influence on river basin solute export. Presented at 2008 AWRA Summer Specialty Conference: Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers: Working at the Water's Edge, Virginia Beach, VA, June 30 - July 02, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
Many studies have examined the influence of riparian areas on nitrogen as water drains from hillslopes and through riparian zones at the stream reach scale.
Description:
Many studies have examined the influence of riparian areas on nitrogen as water drains from hillslopes and through riparian zones at the stream reach scale. Most of these studies have been conducted along relatively small streams. However, water quality concerns typically deal with delivery of nitrogen, phosphorus and other solutes from river networks to larger water bodies such as reservoirs, estuaries, and lower rivers. In order to understand how riparian areas influence downstream delivery of solutes, the interaction of entire river networks with associated drainage basins must be considered. Riparian influence on solutes at the river basin scale cannot be considered merely as the linear summation of riparian functions at the stream reach scale. Hydrologic sources and flowpaths can be quite different in lower order streams compared to higher order streams. Furthermore, river networks are dynamic and expand and contract in response to rainstorms and snowmelt events. Intermittent streams and ephemeral streams that flow during hydrologic events have the opportunity to deliver water to river networks that bypass riparian zones of first order or larger perennial streams. Other hydrologic bypassing mechanisms are commonly reported in the literature. Understanding the factors that control flux of drainage waters and contact of drainage waters with biologically active root zones of riparian areas, and how they vary along river networks, is necessary to quantify riparian influence on solute export to downstream waters.