Vegetative and geomorphic complexity at tributary junctions on the Colorado and Dolores Rivers: a blueprint for riparian restoration

Context

Habitat complexity in rivers is linked to dynamic fluvial conditions acting at various spatial scales. On regulated rivers in the western United States, tributaries are regions of high energy and disturbance, providing important resource inputs for riparian ecosystems.

Objectives

This study investigated spatial patterns and extents of tributary influence on riparian habitat complexity in the near channel zone along regulated reaches of the Colorado (> 200 km) and Dolores Rivers (~ 300 km) in the western United States. Because tributary confluences are regions of increased dynamism, we hypothesized that: (1) geomorphic and land cover complexity would be greatest close to tributary junctions and decrease with distance from tributaries; and (2) patterns in complexity would vary across different sized spatial units.

Methods

Using a combination of remote sensing and spatial analysis, we classified fluvial features and land cover classes to investigate patterns longitudinally at 10-, 25-, and 100-m spatial units in the near channel zone of two regulated rivers.

Results

Using change point analysis and randomization tests, we detected shifts in riparian habitat complexity closer to tributary junctions. Patterns varied across 10-, 25-, and 100-m spatial units in the near channel zone, with significance (p ≤ 0.05) recorded for 10- and 25-m spatial units.

Conclusions

Tributary junctions deliver critical resource inputs on regulated systems, providing for increased geomorphic and land cover diversity upstream and downstream of tributaries. We found that patterns of response were non-linear and discontinuous, varying across spatial units and potentially influenced by the degree of mainstem flow regulation.