Description

This session focuses on the dynamics and management of riparian ecosystems, including riverine wetlands and floodplains. The study of riparian zones lends itself to analysis by geographers, who bring a variety of perspectives and methods to the understanding of these complex environments. Riparian zones occur at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial environments, and experience ecological disturbances typical of uplands (e.g., fire) as well as those associated with the river flow regime (e.g., erosion, sedimentation, and inundation). Riparian zones are often focal points for direct human modifications and also experience substantial indirect anthropogenic impacts. Thus, riparian landscapes are typified by strong physical and ecological gradients and dynamics, as well as substantial human influences. This session will bring together geographers with diverse perspectives and approaches to highlight ongoing research and developments in riparian ecosystems across spatio-temporal scales, with a specific emphasis on understanding patterns, processes, and implications for management decisions. We welcome all geographers to this session, e.g., those engaged in biogeography, landscape ecology, paleoecology, geomorphology, GIS, hydrology, management, human-environment interactions, and planning.