RIPARIAN VEGETATION IN JAPAN: DISTRIBUTION PATTERN, FORMATION FACTOR, AND CHANGE OF CHANNEL EXCAVATION

Abstract

The characteristic of distribution pattern and growth of riparian vegetation varies according to the difference of the places such as an area, individual river and segment. In this study, the distribution pattern of riparian vegetation in Japan were analyzed focusing on two formation factor, relative elevation from normal water levels and riparian distance, in addition to superficial vegetation distribution. As a result, the difference in zones of relative elevation of trees, such as willow, robinia pseudoacacia, and bamboo, were identified. Furthermore, dominant species after channel excavation were classified from the viewpoint of vegetation changes and flood frequency. Relationship of flood after channel excavation in segment 2-1 and dominant species less than relative elevation 1m in segment 2-2 were clarified.