Effect of river flow fluctuations on riparian vegetation dynamics: Processes and models

摘要: Abstract Several decades of field observations, laboratory experiments and mathematical modelings have demonstrated that the riparian environment is a disturbance-driven ecosystem, main source disturbance river flow fluctuations. The focus present work has been on key role fluctuations play in determining abundance, zonation species composition patches vegetation. To this aim, scientific literature subject, over last 20 years, reviewed. First, most relevant ecological, morphological chemical mechanisms induced by are described from process-based perspective. variability discussed for processes affect recruitment vegetation, vegetation during its adult life, nutrient dynamics occurring habitat. Particular emphasis given to studies were aimed at quantifying effect these linking them statistical characteristics hydrology. Second, advances made, modeling point view, considered discussed. models developed describe presented. Different approaches compared, corresponding advantages drawbacks pointed out. Finally, attention paid identifying models, compared with those actually observed or measured field/laboratory studies.