Most people associate flooding with events like Hurricane Katrina, but natural and cyclical flooding of streams and rivers caused by rain or snow melt, though sometimes damaging to human property, can be beneficial for water quality and aquatic life. When water levels in streams or rivers rise, the fish and wildlife move from the stream channel into the floodplain, the low-lying area outside the stream bank, where they take advantage of newly available habitat and food supplies. As the water recedes, nutrients and organic matter from the floodplain are moved into the stream and provide food for fish and other aquatic organisms. Many native riparian plant species disperse their seeds as the water recedes, allowing them to spread throughout the floodplain. The floodplain also helps to maintain water quality by filtering sediments and pollutants and recharging groundwater supplies. These events create a healthier and more productive aquatic environment.
Viewer Tip: Many people mistakenly believe that gravel bars block river flows and should be removed. Dangerous gravel accumulations can occur, but most of the time gravel bars help streams maintain a deep channel that minimizes sediment, ice, and debris accumulations which can cause unnatural flooding.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.
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