Riparian Vegetation Patterns in Relation to Fluvial Landforms and Channel Evolution Along Selected Rivers of Tuscany (Central Italy)

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8306.2007.00521.x
• Publication Date: 2007-03-13T08:01:06Z
• Authors: Cliff R. Hupp; Massimo Rinaldi
• Keywords: Landform; Detrended correspondence analysis

Abstract Riparian vegetation distribution patterns and diversity relative to various fluvial geomorphic channel patterns, landforms, processes are described interpreted for selected rivers of Tuscany, Central Italy; with emphasis on evolution following human impacts. Field surveys were conducted along thirteen gauged reaches species presence, the type amount channel/riparian zone change. Inundation frequency different surfaces was determined, data analyzed using BDA (binary discriminate analysis) DCA (detrended correspondence related hydrogeomorphology. Multivariate analyses revealed distinct quantitative six major surfaces. also showed associations plants adjustment that stage evolution, clearly separated disturbance/landform/soil moisture gradients. Species richness increases from bed terrace heterogeneous riparian areas, whereas decreases moderate intense incision low narrowing.