Factors affecting the regeneration and distribution of riparian woodlands along a northern prairie river: the Red Deer River, Alberta, Canada

摘要: Flooding patterns and variations in the composition successional trends of riparian vegetation upper lower Red Deer River southern Alberta, Canada, were studied order to establish which flood regimes most important regeneration maintenance communities, with a particular focus on poplars. The dominant tree river is Populus balsamifera some Picea glauca deltoides (the plains cottonwood). Dendrochronological studies poplars along show that major periods correspond events during record period. Extensive cottonwood occurred period 1900-20, corresponding series floods, as high 1 100-year event. In addition, just prior this there was significant reduction use floodplain by bison, clearance forests higher incidence fires reaches rainfall years. A floods greater than 10-year 1950s stimulated extensive experienced since 1920s. Parts are now at elevations well above 100- year It suggested fringe replenishment currently form large stands mature found floodplain, initiated end last century first decades century, unlikely be replaced unless (>1 50-year events) occur again. Construction Dickson Dam city 1983 has led attenuation reduced likelihood flooding poplar will number recommendations made regarding flow management both retain occurring stimulate more widespread floodplain.