Author(s): H. Woo; M. H. Park; S. J. Chung; H. T. Kim
Linked Author(s): Moonhyeong Park
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: This study generally classifies the patterns and causes for succession of “white” bars to “green” vegetations in the rivers. For this analysis, comparisons of time-spanned aerial photos of about ten river reaches were made and rates of vegetation expansions were calculated. Through this study, three patterns of riparian vegetation establishment can be identified in Korea. They are 1) flow and sediment regime changes due mostly to damming, which is highlighted as decreases in bed shear stress and fresh sediment supply; 2) artificial changes in river channel due mostly to gravel mining, channel works, and construction of small overflow-dams (weirs); and 3) increase in nutrients in river water due mainly to increase in non-point pollution influx. This study generally confirms previous studies the shear stress, soil texture, soil moisture and duration of riverbed exposure may be limiting factors in the establishment of riparian vegetation. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen may not be critical to the riparian vegetation establishment.
Year: 2009