Swanson, Fred. 1994. Natural disturbance effects on riparian areas. In: Riparian resources: a symposium on the disturbances, management, economics, and conflicts associated with riparian ecosystems; 1991 April 18-19 ; Logan, UT. Natural Resources and Environmental Issues - Volume 1. Logan, UT: Utah State University: 11-14.
Naturally occurring abiotic disturbances have a tremendous effect on riparian systems. Geomorphic andfluvial disturbances are discussed in this paper. These disturbances help form the complex habitats found inthese systems. The type of geomorphic disturbance and the recovery of the riparian ecosystem depend on thegeology of the area and on the extent of the disturbance. Fluvial disturbances are also constrained by the geologicstrata. Natural disturbances tend to be distributed in both time and space. This leaves numerous undisturbedsites that act as inoculum sources to speed the recovery of the disturbed parts of the system. The aquatic portionsof the riparian systems recover faster than the associated riparian vegetation, but both need the undisturbedareas to ensure recovery.