Riparian Habitat

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-024344",
  "term": "Riparian Habitat",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Areas adjacent to rivers and streams with a differing density, diversity, and productivity of plant and animal species relative to nearby uplands.\n\n2. Riparian areas are plant communities contiguous to and affected by surface and subsurface hydrologic features, such as rivers, streams, lakes, or drainage ways. Riparian areas have one or both of the following characteristics: 1) distinctively different vegetative species than adjacent areas, and 2) species similar to adjacent areas but exhibiting more vigorous or robust growth forms. Riparian areas are usually transitional between wetland and upland. Riparian areas help to reduce flood peaks and they also enhance water quality, soil stability, and groundwater replenishment.",
  "subject": "Ecosystems",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Environment; EPA Guidance for Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary at http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/chesbay502/pdf/chesbay_glossary.pdf; Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary",
    "EPA Habitat Categories/Habitat Protection at http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/estuaries/pivot/habitat/habtype.htm"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/riparian-habitat/"
}