Theory and Application Technology of Riparian Wetland

As buffer zones between uplands and streams,riparian area wetlandss possess distinct ecological characteristics because of their interaction with the aquatic system.Riparian ecology has drawn attentions since 1950s when scientists began to investigate birds and other wild animals in the field and found greater diversity of species in riparian zones than in adjacent uplands.Nowadays riparian buffers have gained wide acceptance as tools for protecting water quality,maintaining wildlife habitat and providing other benefits to people and the environment on abroad.Today in China,with the rapid growth of population and economics development,many riparian zones have been denuded of native vegetation,and the adjacent waterways have been channelized,dammed,and seriously polluted.However,there are very few researches specific to the basic principles and approaches of riparian buffer zone.Hence,the purpose of this article is try to provide a overall review of researches on riparian and riparian ecology,such as the riparian definition,riparian boundaries,riparian structure,and several main functions(such as supporting wildlife,providing woody debris,trapping/moving nutrient,shading streams to moderate water temperatures,and modifying microclimate,etc.)of riparian buffer zones,as well as the use of models and geographic information systems in this field,biotechnical or bioengineering for slope stabilization,principles and case studies of riparian ecological restoration were summarized in order to offer scientifically-based guidelines for riparian buffer plans and ordinances in China at present and in the future.