Effect of Riparian Vegetation on Morphometric and Morphological Indexes in Braided Part of Talar River

In present study effects of riparian vegetation on morphometric and morphological changes have been investigated in a part of Talar River during 58 years. So land use maps produced for 1955 and 2013 by aerial photos. Results show during study time riparian vegetation changed extremely and approximately 96% of riparian vegetation removed during 58 years. In additionally, results showed during study period riparian vegetation removed and converted to residential and agriculture lands. Morphometeric and morphological parameters have been calculated for both times. Paired t test showed, there is a significant differences between River Network Change Index, Braided Index, Sediment Bar Length and River Width in 99 percent confidence level. ANOVA analyses used to investigate effect of riparian vegetation on changes in river parameters. Results showed also, there is significant differences between indexes such as RNCI, BI and river Width in parts of river that have riparian vegetation and parts without riparian vegetation in 99% confidence level, since river have more variation at places that riparian vegetation have been removed and changed to other land use classes. Results showed, that riparian vegetation in river side’s has significant roles on decreasing bank erosion in river Talar.