In order to analyze and understand upstream-downstream linkages, river systems are broadly categorized into three distinct zones: source (or headwaters) zone, transition (or transfer) zone, and floodplain (or depositional) zone (FISRWG [1998]; Miller and Spoolman [2012]).
By investigating the Pleistocene glacial and fluvial records on and around Mount Orjen (1894 m) in Montenegro, we show how the changing connectivity between glaciated mountain headwater source zones and downstream alluvial basins is a key feature of long-term karst system behaviour – especially in relation to the creation and preservation of the surface sedimentary record.
Headwater riparian zones are particularly important hotspots for influencing water quality because 90% of the interface between uplands and aquatic systems occurs in headwater reaches.
To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the importance of headwater riparian zones, compared to other riparian areas within watersheds, at these scales of analysis across multiple watersheds.
The role of vegetation cover in reducing soil erosion in the headwater areas and transition zone, and thereby reducing sediment load in flood plain areas, is widely discussed.
In light of the particular importance of buffer zones in headwater reaches in agricultural landscapes in ameliorating nutrient and sediment input to streams, encouraging the restoration of riparian zones to mature forest along headwater reaches worldwide has the potential to not only improve water quality, but also simultaneously reduce atmospheric CO2.
Targeted management of seeps should be a priority in efforts to reduce NO3-N levels in riparian zones within headwater agricultural catchments.
In the Himalayan region, the source zone (or headwaters) comprises the high mountains with areas of glaciers, permafrost, and snow, very steep gradients with high ridges and deep valleys, and in the highest parts, little or no vegetation.
Freshwater ecosystems across the Amazon are largely comprised of small streams and headwaters of riparian zones.
