Influence of vegetation on the propagation of flood waves

Abstract

Research on river ecosystems asks for a multidisciplinary approach. All components such as water, macrophytes, sediment, suspended solids, etc. play an important role. The presence of macrophytes in rivers has an influence on water levels and flow patterns since a wealthy vegetation growth causes back water effects and consequently higher upstream water levels. In view of this, flood risk increases in periods of higher flows and greater vegetation growth. So, river management also deals with the control of vegetation. Good management contributes not only to the quality of the water and the ecosystem, but also to flood protection. © 2008 WIT Press.