Author(s): J. Bastian Holler; Anders G. Andersson; J. Gunnar I. Hellstrom

Linked Author(s): Anders Andersson, Gunnar Hellström

Keywords: Riparian vegetation; Climate change; Ecohydraulics; Boreal rivers

Abstract: Riparian zones are among the most species-rich ecosystems and function as important links between the aquatic and terrestrial systems. Among other anthropogenic pressures on the river systems, climate change will further alter river discharges and challenge the water-dependent riparian zones. This study shows how climate change will influence the riparian vegetation in a boreal river. Hydrological and climate data are combined with an ecohydraulic approach to model the potential riparian area and different vegetation belts. The results show how the riparian zone will decrease as a result of the changed flow characteristics. Furthermore, the composition of the riparian vegetation will transform. The work marks the importance of management of riparian zones and the need for suitable mitigation measures.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.191

Year: 2026