Riparian Zone Variability In the Foothills of Alberta
| Abstract | Introduction | Data | Methods | Results | Discussion | Sources of error | References |
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Working with a large dataset One of my biggest discoveries was how much computing power is required to perform a single step during the analysis of this dataset. The number of stream segments in each watershed was so large that buffering and zonal analyses took around six hours, and frequently crashed the computers. Unfortunately time constraints have meant that analysis could only be thoroughly performed on the Wigwam Creek watershed, which includes my thesis study area. Topographic variability Strong patterns did not emerge from the correlations performed. A moderate relationship between riparian zone elevation and terrain roughness indicates that riparian zones are generally steeper along upland, headwater streams. A similar relationship was found between streambed roughness and elevation. However, no relationship was found between streambed or riparian roughness and Strahler order. A weak positive relationship between stream and riparian zone roughness was also detected.
 Spruce Riparian forest
In Wigwam watershed, 36% of all riparian zones are similar to those I studied.
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