Author(s): Davide Vanzo; Michael Looser; David F. Vetsch; Sabine Fink; Francesco Caponi

Linked Author(s): David Vetsch, Davide Vanzo

Keywords: 2D numerical modelling; Riparian vegetation; Hydrodynamics; Seed establishment; Windows-of-opportunity

Abstract: Riparian vegetation is a key indicator for the status of river environments. The understanding of seed recruitment dynamics is crucial to assess vegetation distribution and establishment. Such processes are linked to river hydro-morphodynamic processes, as seeds of many riparian species are transported along the river by water. In this study, we apply a 2D hydrodynamic model to simulate flow conditions across multiple hydrological years and test alternative hydrological scenarios. Then we applied a vegetation recruitment model based on the Windows-of-Opportunity logic to simulate seed recruitment in a braided, gravel-bed reach of an Alpine river. Results show that hydropeaking has an impact on riparian vegetation dynamics, but also that flow regulation effects are different depending on the hydrological year.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p0367-cd

Year: 2023