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Ecosystem: A System of Interactions Between Living Things and Their Environment
Ecosystem: A System of Interactions Between Living Things and Their Environment
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The living (biological) parts of an ecosystem create stability & resiliency by moderating environmental change.
Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the general configuration of the earth’s surface, the distribution of the land, water, etc.
Geomorphology is largely determined by topography and geology. These in turn dictate how water flows across the
landscape, i.e. the ecosystem’s hydrology
However hydrology in turn affects geomorphology. Floods and high flows carve and shape river channels and valleys,
and deposit sediments to create wide, flat floodplains, thereby changing the geomorphology
For example, the Battle River valley was largely shaped by large post-glacial rivers, which is why such a small river
sits in such a large valley.
River Pathways
Hydrology
Water flow is the central, driving part of a river ecosystem. It serves as a river’s own unique signature, and
determines a river’s ‘horsepower’.
The flow or hydrology of a river changes with the season and year to year. Different types of flows play different roles
in the river ecosystem:
Large, infrequent floods (a) shape the river valley and its floodplains. They also flush-out large blockages
and boulders, and deposit fertile sediments on floodplains.
Seasonal Floods & Flushing Flows (b-e): Periodic or seasonal flooding is needed to stimulate germination
of riparian plants. Flushing flows also clean-out sediments & pollutants, maintain deep narrow channels, and
create fish habitat such as pools and riffles.
Low flows (f) provide the minimum survival conditions for aquatic life & riparian plants. They also trigger
some plants, fish and insects to enter senescence (hibernation), and help purge some weed species from
riparian areas.
Connectivity
There are four types of connectivity in a river ecosystem:
• Lateral
• Longitudinal
• Vertical
• Temporal
Lateral connectivity: Is the river able to connect with its floodplain (during floods etc.)? Is there a connection
between the aquatic and terrestrial (upland) environments? Is there a healthy riparian area?
Longitudinal connectivity: how connected is the river along its length? Is it broken up by dams, weirs or natural
obstacles?
Temporal connectivity: how is the river connected over time – does it dry up into disconnected pools during the dry
season?
Connectivity is important because it ensures natural river processes continue to occur (channel maintenance,
floodplain evolution).
It is also important because isolated (fragmented) habitats, whether aquatic or terrestrial, have fewer species
(biodiversity), and it is difficult for species to re-colonize isolated habitats.
Connectivity also ensures there is a flow of energy and nutrients between and within aquatic and terrestrial (land)
environments. For example, in the fall, leaves are washed into the river and provide important food for aquatic
insects.
Water Quality
Biology
For example, riparian vegetation reduces flood impacts by stabilizing riverbanks and absorbing and storing water.
Riparian vegetation and wetlands also resist drought by storing water and creating a cool micro-climate that
minimizes evaporation. During drier months, wetlands and riparian areas slowly release water back to the river.