Measuring Riparian Width

This model is a modification of an older model by Camporeale and Ridolfi (2006) that studied the influence of river flow variability on the distribution of biomass of riparian vegetation. The new and modified model defines an upper or hillside bound of riparian vegetation, in addition to the lower bound defined in the older model, and thus clearly delineate riparian width. The assumptions made in the model include:

(1) Only one species is considered, thus ignoring interspecific dynamics. 

(2) A steady river morphology is assumed, and thus no feedback mechanisms between the vegetation and river geometry are considered.  

(3) The time delay between the water table underneath the riparian vegetation and the free water surface in the river is ignored. 

This model could be used in watershed management, especially under changing climatic conditions, to factor in flow fluctuations and extreme events.