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Chapter 4: Fluvial Processes in Riparian Areas
Vegetation
- Relatively dense stands of vegetation found along channels in Arizona are a response to available moisture.
- Vegetation can affect channel morphology, so it can be used as a best management tool in riparian areas.
- Along channel banks, roots provide a network of reinforcement to bind the soil matrix and increase soil strength. Effectiveness of vegetation stabilizing the stream bank will depend on the height of the banks and their vegetation rooting depth.
- Established vegetation can act to stabilize channel bed sediment that would otherwise be readily mobilized.
- Vegetation cover (grass and trees) can increase channel roughness that will reduce stream velocity and sediment transport capacity. It can also cause sediment filtering and promote sediment deposition.
Figure 4.13. Vegetation along stream banks can increase stability. Riparian vegetation has an extensive root network.
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