Scaling relations between riparian vegetation and stream order in the Whitewater River network, Kansas, USA

摘要: Riparian communities have been well- studied along individual streams, but not within the context of networks which streams are a part. To study networks, hydrologists use Horton-Strahler ordering to assign discrete categories in increasing numerical value (x) reflects increas- ing size stream and complexity network. A key this classification method has demonstrate scaling relations between hydrogeomor- phic variables order. These now provide foundation determine how ecological processes associated with geometry topology river networks. We used geographic information systems (GIS) map measure network riparian vegetation Whitewater River basin eastern Kansas, USA. With resulting data, we tested if (1) scaled order, (2) at confluences two differed from that found constituent streams. Most characteristics In confluence zones, density diversity generally were equivalent largest stream. Scaling order framework quantify role water balance tool predict area distribution topology.