DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR LATERAL CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN STREAM CHANNEL AND ISOLATED FORMER FLOODPLAIN

초록

Lateral connectivity between the stream channel and its floodplain is crucial to the structure and function of stream ecosystems. Whilst numerous assessment protocols for evaluation of physical, chemical and ecological states were developed in streams, the lateral connectivity between the channel and isolated former floodplains blocked by levees were not considered in most assessments. The aim of this study is to develop the lateral connectivity assessment between streams and isolated former floodplains in Korea. The assessment of lateral connectivity was made up of an overview (using GIS) and field assessment in Korean streams. The overview assessment included a method of mapping the isolated floodplain determining its connectivity to the channel and forest. The assessment score of the linked floodplain was significantly higher than that of the isolated floodplain. In further research, we will verify the suitability and effectiveness of the metrics and apply them to other streams in Korea.