Riparian Zone What is a Riparian Zone A

Riparian Zone

What is a Riparian Zone? A riparian zone is the terrestrial ecosystem adjacent to a river or stream n The Latin word ‘ripa’ means ‘river bank’ n

What is an Ecosystem? n An ecosystem consists of all the organisms living in a particular area (biotic factors), as well as all the nonliving, physical components of the environment with which the organisms interact, such as air, soil, water, and sunlight (abiotic factors).

How Does a Healthy Stream and Riparian Zone Look? The water is clear (no sedimentation) n The stream is shaded n There a variety of flora (plants) & fauna (animals) because of the rich soils present in the riparian zone. n

Why are Riparian Zones Important? n They help to dissipate stream energy

Why are Riparian Zones Important? n They are natural biofilters n Protecting rivers & streams from n. Sedimentation n. Runoff pollutants nerosion

What are Biofilters? n Biofilters- use living material to capture and biologically degrade process pollutants.

Threats to Riparian Zones Logging n Over grazing n Agriculture n Building Dams n Human Development n

How Does Runoff Pollution Occur? n It occurs when rainwater, snowmelt or irrigation water doesn't soak into the ground, but instead runs off the land or developed surfaces, carrying pollutants into creeks, streams, rivers and sounds.

Riparian Zones Improve Water Quality Not only of streams & rivers n But also of groundwater n

An Unhealthy Riparian Zone

Unhealthy to Healthy