Chapter 2: Characterization of Riparian Areas

Riparian Areas Versus Other Areas

To better understand riparian areas sometimes it is easier to point out the main differences with their adjacent areas.

 

Riparian versus aquatic: The boundary of permanent water is the simplest way to delineate the riparian area from the aquatic ecosystems. Typically riparian areas are dominated with woody plants (trees and shrubs), grasses and emergent herbaceous plant cover while aquatic systems will have in bulrushes, cattail (Typha spp.) and arrowheads (Sagittaria ssp.) in shallow waters and pondweed (Potamogeton ssp.), watermilfoil (Myriophyllum ssp.), hornwort (Ceratophyllum ssp.), waterweed (Elodea ssp.) and bladderwort (Utricularia ssp.) submerged in deeper waters).

 

Riparian versus upland terrestrial: In terrestrial uplands precipitation is the primary source of water for the vegetation. Riparian areas receive water from uplands in the form of overland flow, subsurface flow and groundwater recharge and from aquatic systems as overland flow, infiltration into stream banks (bank storage) and hyporheic flow from upstream. Another important component is that species in riparian areas have to be disturbance tolerant particularly to flooding.

 


Figure 2.14. Delineating between riparian, upland and aquatic areas.

 

 

   

 

   

 

Figure 2.15. Significant vegetation differences in density and species between uplands and riparian areas.

 

 

Table:

Wetland definitions

 

Riparian versus wetland: Riparian areas and wetlands are not necessarily synonymous. Riparian areas can include point bars that are not vegetated and terrestrial areas that do not need saturated or inundated conditions near the surface.  These areas are not considered wetlands. In contrast, wetlands can include settings that are not along streams or lakes environments like peatlands and flatwood wetlands. These areas are not considered riparian areas.

 

Figure 2.16. Delineating between riparian and wetlands areas