| Functions
& Conditions - Functions
of Riparian Areas
Healthy riparian
areas provide several important functions which not only enhance
ecological health but have economic and social benefits as well.
These functions include water storage, flow energy dissipation,
water quality, sediment trapping, bank building and maintenance,
and primary biotic production.
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Figure
2-3
Floodplains slow water, trap nutrient sediments, and
reduce peak flows. |
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Store
and release water over longer period of time
The soil in
the streambanks, floodplain, and substrate under the channel acts
as a sponge to retain water. Water retention reduces peak flow after
storms and during snow melt (Figure 2-3). This can significantly
reduce downstream flooding. As stored water slowly seeps out of
the "sponge," it either percolates downward to recharge
underground aquifers or moves back into the stream channel, thus
extending the availability of surface water in the watershed later
into the year.
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