Author(s): Hun Choi; Chanjoo Lee
Linked Author(s): Chanjoo Lee, Hun Choi
Keywords: Eco-morphodynamic model riparian vegetation climate change
Abstract: Since the 2000s, Korea's river and stream landscapes have transformed from 'white rivers' to 'green rivers, ' a shift likely influenced by human activities or climate change. As a global issue, climate change may continue to shape river landscapes in ways both similar to and different from those seen before the 2000s. It may also expand riparian vegetation and alter the timing of its biological cycles. Riparian vegetation is sensitive to changes in hydrological conditions caused by rainfall and temperature fluctuations, which can impact germination timing and growth rate. Although the previous model considered vegetation life cycles based on hydrological conditions, adding rainfall and temperature effects enables more realistic simulations of fluvial processes. This study aims to simulate channel and vegetation dynamics using an eco-morphodynamic model that accounts for precipitation and temperature influences on germination, growth rate, and mortality. To account for water supply from rainfall, a logic to reset dry days based on precipitation has been added. The model was also modified so that germination would begin when a certain amount of rainfall occurs during the germination period. Additional conditions were incorporated to initiate germination if temperature requirements are met before the germination period, along with adjustments to the vegetation growth curve based on temperature during germination and growth periods to reflect the influence of temperature. In triggering germination, temperature conditions have priority over rainfall. A comparison was conducted between a model that integrates the effects of rainfall and temperature on vegetation germination and growth and previous models. Additionally, combinations of two rainfall scenarios (wet and dry) and two temperature scenarios (cold and warm) were applied to assess potential climate change impacts on the life cycle of riparian vegetation. Such improvements are expected to enable more realistic and logical simulations by considering not only the effects of climate change on hydrological conditions but also its impact on riparian vegetation.
Year: 2025