Document: JAM-3-15-9

Land-water linkages in the coastal temperate rainforest: A riparian perspective.

HELFIELD, J.M.* and R.J.NAIMAN

University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA ¹

Abstract:
Riparian ecosystems are comprised of aquatic habitats, terrestrial habitats and the animals that use them. In river corridors of the coastal temperate ecoregion, these three components are reciprocally controlled by and controlling of each other. Just as riparian vegetation influences the structure and function of stream ecosystems through shading, bank stabilization and production of large woody debris (LWD), running waters shape riparian communities through alluvial disturbances that create new colonizing sites for riparian plants and regulate the age and species composition of riparian forests. These processes regulate physical habitat characteristics affecting animal populations that, in turn, modify the physical and chemical nature of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through grazing, digging and burrowing, and by transporting nutrients and energy across ecosystem boundaries. We use data from our research projects and other studies of coastal temperate rainforests to demonstrate the strength of these relationships, illustrating the interdependent nature and self-perpetuating characteristics of riparian ecosystems.

Keywords: riparian, linkages, coastal temperate rainforest

This abstract is being presented at: 9:30 AM in session:
Symposium # 3: Linking Communities Across Ecosystem Boundaries: A Symposium in Memory of Gary A. Polis.