Floodplains 



Flooding is a natural stream process. A floodplain — 

 land next to a stream where water overflows during 

 floods — is an important part of the stream system. 



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Wide Valley 





floodplain 



The Role of Floodplains 



• Spread out and slow flood waters, reducing their 

 erosive force. 



• Slow water enough so it can seep into soil, recharge 

 aquifers, and slowly return to stream. 



• Filter sediment that settles from the water, building 

 deep, fertile soils. 



Narrow Valley 



floodplain 



Tfie Biological Richness 

 of Riparian Areas and 

 Streamside Wetlands 



1. Riparian areas contain a 

 diversity of plants. 



2. They provide wildlife with: 



• corridors for migration 



• cover from weather and 

 predators 



• breeding, resting, nesting, 

 and foraging areas 



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