Vegetation Pattern on Channel Features in the Passage Creek Gorge, Virginia

ABSTRACT
Vegetation zones were studied on longitudinal bars and upstream ends of islands within the Passage Creek gorge, Virginia. These channel features, which are inundated approximately 10-15 percent of the year, support vegetation different in species composition and growth form from riparian vegetation typical of higher areas of the flood plain. Frequency of flooding and flood damage to vegetation are greater on channel features than on the adjacent flood plain, which suggests that the frequency of flooding is an integral factor in the formation and maintenance of vegetation patterns. Recognition of these patterns may be useful in detecting flood potential in areas where there are little or no flood data.