Riparian/Floodplain Ecology & Management

Key questions to be explored in this course, include:

2. How does the structure of riparian landscapes influence their ecological capacity?

3. What temporal/spatial factors govern surface:groundwater interactions w/in floodplain landscapes?

4. What is a hyporheic zone?  How does subsurface geology govern its biophysical structure and flow dynamics?

5. What is the process of cut and fill alluviation and why is it important to regional patterns of biodiversity?

6. What are the primary eco-tones found within riverine corridors?

7. Stream and rivers and their associated floodplains have a FOUR DIMENSIONAL NATURE.  Describe these four dimensions & explain their ecological significance.

8. What are the common life history strategies of riparian plants and animals?

9. What environmental cues govern the seasonal life cycles of riparian plants and animals?

10. What environmental factors influence the distribution of riparian plants?

11. How do plants differ in their capacity to adapt to flooding and saturated soils?

12. What are the primary disturbance agents (natural & anthropogenic) of riparian landscapes?

14. What effects do large storage reservoirs & regulated flows have on floodplain ecosystems?

15. What are the various roles that riparian vegetation plays for aquatic organisms?