Photo
Tulln 2024
The floodplains along the Danube River play a crucial role in maintaining the health of this waterway. Their significance comes from:
- Flood Control and Risk Reduction:
- Floodplains act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. By doing so, they help prevent downstream flooding in urban and rural areas.
- When the river swells beyond its banks, floodplains provide a buffer zone, allowing water to spread out gradually. This reduces the impact of sudden floods and protects communities, infrastructure, and agricultural land.
- Water Purification:
- As water flows through floodplains, it undergoes natural filtration. Wetlands and marshes within floodplains remove pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients.
- This purification process enhances water quality, benefiting both human consumption and aquatic ecosystems.
- Biodiversity Hotspots:
- Floodplains support diverse plant and animal species. Their unique habitats include wetlands, meadows, and riparian forests.
- These areas provide breeding grounds for fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Many migratory birds rely on floodplains as stopover points during their journeys.
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