Alluvial plain: What is, characteristics, flora and fauna

An alluvial plain, also known as a flood plain, is a extensive flat area formed by the accumulation of sediments (floods) that are deposited by a river. These sediments are dragged by river currents and accumulate along its banks, especially in the lower parts of its course, where the water speed decreases. Alluvial plains usually have a topographically uniform surface, accompany the rivers And they can be covered totally or partially by water, during flood periods.

Discover in this article the parts of the river and its characteristics.

• They make up dynamic and unstable environments: Due to changes in sedimentation patterns, river processes, climatic events and human activity. These factors contribute to the variability of their topography, the renewal of nutrients in the soil, and the formation of a variety of habitats that favor a rich biodiversity, while making them susceptible to flooding.
• They make up very fertile areas: One of the most prominent features of the alluvial plains is the high fertility of their soils. The deposited sediments are full of nutrients dragged from different parts of the river basin, which makes these areas conducive to agriculture and the settlement of human populations.
• They provide various ecosystem services: Alluvial plains provide numerous ecosystem services, since they act as natural filters eliminating environmental pollutants, retain water preventing flooding, capturing and storing carbon contributing to the mitigation of climate change, make up rich and diverse habitats for a wide variety of species.
• They function as settlements of human populations: Since remote times, human beings have settled in alluvial plains for access to water sources, the fertility of their soils, river transport, energy development and, some time later, as sites for urbanization. These changes in land use have caused a potential risk for these societies that are vulnerable to possible floods.
• They are degraded environments: Currently alluvial plains are degraded by various anthropic pressures such as the advance of the agricultural border, urban development, pollution, introduction of exotic species and the construction of dams, dikes and other structures, which alter the water regime of rivers. These threats underline the need to implement different effective management and conservation strategies, which balance human needs with the preservation of alluvial plains.

The alluvial plains, with their diversity of habitats and abundance of water resources, are rich ecosystems that house a wide variety of flora and fauna. These ecosystems are crucial for the survival of many species, providing food and refuge.

Flora of alluvial plains

Vegetation in alluvial plains varies significantly according to geography, weather and frequency of floods. All these species, both herbaceous and woody, are adapted to survive in wet and flooded soilstolerating prolonged flood periods. Also, in quieter or stagnant areas many species of floating or submerged aquatic plants proliferate.

Vegetation in alluvial plains cushion and avoid floods By absorbing and decelerating the flow of water, purifies water and avoids the erosion of the soils, retaining the substrate in their roots.

Fauna of alluvial plains

The fauna of the alluvial plains is equally diverse, including mainly:

• Fish: The rivers and their flood areas are habitats for numerous species of fish, many of which depend on floods to reproduce and spawn.
• Amphibians: attracted by temporary and permanent puddles for egg setting and the development of their larvae (reborn). Seasonal floods create perfect conditions for their life cycle.
• Reptiles: They find both spaces to hunt and safe areas for thermoregulation and reproduction in the alluvial plains.
• Water Birds: They find food and nesting sites, which also function as important points for migratory birds.
• Mammals: The mammals of the alluvial plains, which cover from large herbivores to various species of rodents and carnivores, perform crucial roles in these ecosystems such as tapes predators regulating populations of other species, seed scatters, pollinators, among other functions.

Here are ten examples of alluvial plains Around the world:

• Alluvial plain of the Middle Paraná, Argentina
• Amazon alluvial plain, South America
• Delta del Misionipi, United States
• Delta del Río Yangsé, China
• Ganges, India and Bangladesh river alluvial plain
• Alluvial plain of the Murray-Darling River, Australia
• Alluvial plain of the Indo River, Pakistan
• Alluvial plain of the Danube river, central Europe
• Alluvial plain of the Po River, Italy
• Alluvial plain of the Ebro River, Spain.

Now that you know what an alluvial plain is and what are its characteristics, do not miss these other articles about a delta: what it is, how it is formed and types and a banks: what is, flora and fauna.

If you want to read more articles similar to Alluvial plain: What is, characteristics, flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.