Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Borbala Hortobagyi
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Populations of the riparian pioneer species Populus nigra L. which establish on alluvial bars within river channels modulate sediment dynamics and fluvial landforms. Dense cohorts of P. nigra have colonized gravel point bars along the channelized River Garonne, France, during the last 20 years and have enhanced the vertical, lateral and longitudinal development of the bars. For this period, the geomorphic characteristics of two wooded point bars on this laterally stable river are closely linked to the spatial distribution and intensity of establishment and resistance of different cohorts of P. nigra. Furthermore, P. nigra colonization dynamics were controlled by engineer effects of this same species. This relationship is illustrated by a significant correlation between key geomorphic and biological variables measured in situ and characterized with a set of four aerial photographs taken between 2000 and 2010. The development of wooded point bars, which are discrete biogeomorphic units, over the studied period, appear to result from a specific biogeomorphic positive feedback of matter aggregation and vegetation establishment related to sediment trapping and stabilization by pioneer engineer plants. We propose a conceptual model of biogeomorphic unit construction for channelized, lateral stable rivers. We consider the resultant biogeomorphic units as functional from an ecological point of view because P. nigra enhances at the cohort scale (i) its own inherent capacity to resist hydrogeomorphic disturbances, and (ii) its resilience capacity as a result of successful colonization, especially downstream of mature poplar stands.
Author(s): Corenblit D, Steiger J, Charrier G, Darrozes J, Garófano-Gómez V, Garreau A, González E, Gurnell AM, Hortobágyi B, Julien F, Lambs L, Larrue S, Otto T, Roussel E, Vautier F, Voldoire O
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Year: 2016
Volume: 41
Issue: 9
Pages: 1276-1292
Print publication date: 03/07/2016
Online publication date: 08/04/2016
Acceptance date: 06/04/2016
ISSN (print): 0197-9337
ISSN (electronic): 1096-9837
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3954
DOI: 10.1002/esp.3954
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric