Research Article

Hydrogeomorphic processes affecting riparian habitat within alluvial channel–floodplain river systems: a review for the temperate zone

  1. J. Steiger1,*,
  2. E. Tabacchi2,
  3. S. Dufour3,
  4. D. Corenblit2,
  5. J.-L. Peiry4

Article first published online: 19 SEP 2005

DOI: 10.1002/rra.879

Issue

River Research and Applications

River Research and Applications

Special Issue: Sediment Management in River Systems: A Need to Assess Changing Processes in the Long Term and at a Large Scale

Volume 21, Issue 7, pages 719–737, September 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Steiger, J., Tabacchi, E., Dufour, S., Corenblit, D. and Peiry, J.-L. (2005), Hydrogeomorphic processes affecting riparian habitat within alluvial channel–floodplain river systems: a review for the temperate zone. River Res. Applic., 21: 719–737. doi: 10.1002/rra.879

Author Information

  1. 1

    Université d'Angers, Département de géographie, UMR 6042-CNRS Géodynamique des Milieux Naturels et Anthropisés, 35 rue de la Barre, 49000 Angers, France

  2. 2

    CNRS UMR 5172 Laboratoire Dynamique de la Biodiversité, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig Cedex 4, 31055 Toulouse, France

  3. 3

    Université Lyon III, UMR 5600-CNRS Environnement—Ville—Société, 18 rue Chevreul Cedex 7, 69362 Lyon, France

  4. 4

    Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 6042-CNRS Géodynamique des Milieux Naturels et Anthropisés, 4 rue Ledru, 63057 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France

*Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 6042-CNRS GEOLAB, Maison de la Recherche, 4 rue Ledru, 63057 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 19 SEP 2005
  2. Article first published online: 19 SEP 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 8 DEC 2004
  4. Manuscript Revised: 20 JUL 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 28 SEP 2003

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Keywords:

  • riparian habitat;
  • riparian vegetation;
  • hydrogeomorphic processes;
  • channel degradation and aggradation;
  • sedimentation;
  • river management

Abstract

Hydrogeomorphic processes within alluvial river systems create, maintain and degrade riparian habitat. The dynamic interactions between water, sediment, aquatic–terrestrial landforms and biotic elements control the functional processes and biodiversity patterns within the riparian zone and, thus, contribute directly to their ecological integrity and societal value. Numerous researchers from different disciplines publish work on the physical, biological, economic and societal functions of the riparian zone within various physiographic areas. The present paper aims to review the hydrogeomorphic processes of unconfined alluvial channel–floodplain rivers within the temperate zone. These processes and their interactions with the biotic environment provide the basis for understanding the physical as well as the ecological functioning of fluvial hydrosystems. The review focuses mainly on the European context, but major advances in riparian research from other continents are also considered. Rehabilitation and management strategies for the riparian zone are summarized and recommendations for further research conclude this review. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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