The Influence of Riparian Vegetation on the Sinuosity and Lateral Stability of Meandering Channels

Abstract

Floodplains of meandering rivers are colonized with various plant species that differ in how they stabilize streambanks, modulating sinuosity evolution. Here, we compile observations of meander migration from North and South America, categorizing channels based on the riparian vegetation as cropland, forest, grassland, and rainforest. Our analysis reveals that the most stable meanders are those developed in rainforests and the reason is likely related to their established root systems and clay-rich soils. The most unstable meanders were found in cropland areas, which is explained by the lack of vegetation cover and the frequent land disturbances associated with cultivation. Rivers in grassland and North American forest environments have intermediate migration rates. We found that meanders in grasslands have lower migration rates than those in North American forests. The reason for this may lie in the fact that grassland meanders in general have higher sinuosity, lower gradients, and layered banks.