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Ecological functions of riparian zones in Oregon hydrological landscapes
Citation:
WIGINGTON JR, P. J. Ecological functions of riparian zones in Oregon hydrological landscapes. Presented at 10th International Congress of Ecology, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA, August 16 - 21, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
The ecological functions of streams and associated riparian zones are strongly influenced by the hydrological attributes of watersheds and landscapes in which they occur.
Description:
The ecological functions of streams and associated riparian zones are strongly influenced by the hydrological attributes of watersheds and landscapes in which they occur. Oregon hydrologic landscape regions (HLRs) have been defined based on four types of GIS data: 1) climate, 2) bedrock hydraulic conductivity, 3) terrain, and 4) soil permeability. These HLRs illustrate the great diversity of hydrologic conditions in the Oregon. Climatic conditions range from wet, rain-dominated plains of the Willamette Valley to snow-dominated mountains to semi-arid and arid conditions of the eastern valleys. Bedrock permeability ranges from highly permeable sediments and young volcanic rock to impermeable igneous and sedimentary rock. Variation in hydrologic characteristics among the HLRs has a strong influence on the geometry and dynamic expansion of stream networks and the degree to which precipitation water either recharges deep groundwater or moves through soils and riparian rooting zones to streams. Research conducted in Oregon illustrates how key hydrologic, nutrient processing and cooling functions of riparian zones varies in managed landscapes of contrasting HLRs.