Riparian forest

Forested or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water

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A she-oak riparian forest in Western Sydney

Etymology

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Riparian forest in Záhorie Protected Landscape Area in Slovakia

The term riparian comes from the Latin word ripa, 'river bank'; technically it refers only to areas adjacent to flowing bodies of water such as rivers, streams, sloughs and estuaries. However, the terms riparian forest and riparian zone have come to include areas adjacent to non-flowing bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, playas and reservoirs.

Characteristics

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A riparian forest area along a tributary to Lake Erie

Atlantic coastal salt marsh

Riparian forests are subject to frequent inundation.

Riparian forests help control sediment, reduce the damaging effects of flooding and aid in stabilizing stream banks.

Riparian zones are transition zones between an upland terrestrial environment and an aquatic environment. Organisms found in this zone are adapted to periodic flooding. Many not only tolerate it, but require it in order to maintain health and complete their lifestyles.^[1]

Threats

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Threats to riparian forests:

Cleared for agricultural use because of the good soil quality
Historically, trees used as wood fuel for steamships, steam locomotives, etc.^[2]
Urban development (housing, roads, malls, etc.)
Grazing
Mining
Disrupted hydrology, such as dams and levees, which reduces the amount and/or frequency of flooding
Invasive species