Functional Process Zones and the River Continuum Concept by Erin L
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(P 117-140) Flood Pulse.Qxp
117 THE FLOOD PULSE CONCEPT: NEW ASPECTS, APPROACHES AND APPLICATIONS - AN UPDATE Junk W.J. Wantzen K.M. Max-Planck-Institute for Limnology, Working Group Tropical Ecology, P.O. Box 165, 24302 Plön, Germany E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The flood pulse concept (FPC), published in 1989, was based on the scientific experience of the authors and published data worldwide. Since then, knowledge on floodplains has increased considerably, creating a large database for testing the predictions of the concept. The FPC has proved to be an integrative approach for studying highly diverse and complex ecological processes in river-floodplain systems; however, the concept has been modified, extended and restricted by several authors. Major advances have been achieved through detailed studies on the effects of hydrology and hydrochemistry, climate, paleoclimate, biogeography, biodi- versity and landscape ecology and also through wetland restoration and sustainable management of flood- plains in different latitudes and continents. Discussions on floodplain ecology and management are greatly influenced by data obtained on flow pulses and connectivity, the Riverine Productivity Model and the Multiple Use Concept. This paper summarizes the predictions of the FPC, evaluates their value in the light of recent data and new concepts and discusses further developments in floodplain theory. 118 The flood pulse concept: New aspects, INTRODUCTION plain, where production and degradation of organic matter also takes place. Rivers and floodplain wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems. For example, 77 percent These characteristics are reflected for lakes in of the water discharge of the 139 largest river systems the “Seentypenlehre” (Lake typology), elaborated by in North America and Europe is affected by fragmen- Thienemann and Naumann between 1915 and 1935 tation of the river channels by dams and river regula- (e.g. -
Geomorphic Classification of Rivers
9.36 Geomorphic Classification of Rivers JM Buffington, U.S. Forest Service, Boise, ID, USA DR Montgomery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Published by Elsevier Inc. 9.36.1 Introduction 730 9.36.2 Purpose of Classification 730 9.36.3 Types of Channel Classification 731 9.36.3.1 Stream Order 731 9.36.3.2 Process Domains 732 9.36.3.3 Channel Pattern 732 9.36.3.4 Channel–Floodplain Interactions 735 9.36.3.5 Bed Material and Mobility 737 9.36.3.6 Channel Units 739 9.36.3.7 Hierarchical Classifications 739 9.36.3.8 Statistical Classifications 745 9.36.4 Use and Compatibility of Channel Classifications 745 9.36.5 The Rise and Fall of Classifications: Why Are Some Channel Classifications More Used Than Others? 747 9.36.6 Future Needs and Directions 753 9.36.6.1 Standardization and Sample Size 753 9.36.6.2 Remote Sensing 754 9.36.7 Conclusion 755 Acknowledgements 756 References 756 Appendix 762 9.36.1 Introduction 9.36.2 Purpose of Classification Over the last several decades, environmental legislation and a A basic tenet in geomorphology is that ‘form implies process.’As growing awareness of historical human disturbance to rivers such, numerous geomorphic classifications have been de- worldwide (Schumm, 1977; Collins et al., 2003; Surian and veloped for landscapes (Davis, 1899), hillslopes (Varnes, 1958), Rinaldi, 2003; Nilsson et al., 2005; Chin, 2006; Walter and and rivers (Section 9.36.3). The form–process paradigm is a Merritts, 2008) have fostered unprecedented collaboration potentially powerful tool for conducting quantitative geo- among scientists, land managers, and stakeholders to better morphic investigations. -
Seasonal Flooding Affects Habitat and Landscape Dynamics of a Gravel
Seasonal flooding affects habitat and landscape dynamics of a gravel-bed river floodplain Katelyn P. Driscoll1,2,5 and F. Richard Hauer1,3,4,6 1Systems Ecology Graduate Program, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812 USA 2Rocky Mountain Research Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 USA 3Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana 59806 USA 4Montana Institute on Ecosystems, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812 USA Abstract: Floodplains are comprised of aquatic and terrestrial habitats that are reshaped frequently by hydrologic processes that operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It is well established that hydrologic and geomorphic dynamics are the primary drivers of habitat change in river floodplains over extended time periods. However, the effect of fluctuating discharge on floodplain habitat structure during seasonal flooding is less well understood. We collected ultra-high resolution digital multispectral imagery of a gravel-bed river floodplain in western Montana on 6 dates during a typical seasonal flood pulse and used it to quantify changes in habitat abundance and diversity as- sociated with annual flooding. We observed significant changes in areal abundance of many habitat types, such as riffles, runs, shallow shorelines, and overbank flow. However, the relative abundance of some habitats, such as back- waters, springbrooks, pools, and ponds, changed very little. We also examined habitat transition patterns through- out the flood pulse. Few habitat transitions occurred in the main channel, which was dominated by riffle and run habitat. In contrast, in the near-channel, scoured habitats of the floodplain were dominated by cobble bars at low flows but transitioned to isolated flood channels at moderate discharge. -
Influence of a Waterfall Over Richness and Similarity in Adjoining Pools Of
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, 2010, vol. 22, no. 4, p. 378-383 doi: 10.4322/actalb.2011.003 Influence of a waterfall over richness and similarity in adjoining pools of an Atlantic Rainforest stream Influência de uma queda d’água sobre a riqueza e a similaridade de dois remansos em um rio da Mata Atlântica Biological LimnologyBiological Célio Roberto Jönck¹ and José Marcelo Rocha Aranha² ¹Avaliação e Monitoramento Ambiental, Centro de Pesquisas Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Melo, CEP 21941-915, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil e-mail: [email protected] ²Laboratório de Ecologia de Rios, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Campus Palotina, Rua 24 de Junho, 698, CEP 85950-000, Palotina, PR, Brazil e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Aim: The main goal of the study was to determine the effect of the Morato Fall in the richness and composition of the aquatic animal community; Methods: We compared faunal richness and similarity in four substrate samples from two pools separated by a waterfall in the Morato River, southern Brazil; Results: The richness was not significantly different, although the upstream pool had 72 taxa and the downstream one just 65. On the other hand, composition was poorly similar, just a 36.5% similarity between the two sites; Conclusions: That indicates a strong influence of the waterfall, mainly on organisms which spent its entire life cycle on the water, such as fish and small crustaceans. That allow aquatic insects, a group with airborne adult phase and, therefore, able to disperse up to the upstream pool, to evolve with less predatory pressure, becoming the top group in the food web of this environment. -
Variable Hydrologic and Geomorphic Responses to Intentional Levee Breaches Along the Lower Cosumnes River, California
Received: 21 April 2016 Revised: 29 March 2017 Accepted: 30 March 2017 DOI: 10.1002/rra.3159 RESEARCH ARTICLE Not all breaks are equal: Variable hydrologic and geomorphic responses to intentional levee breaches along the lower Cosumnes River, California A. L. Nichols1 | J. H. Viers1,2 1 Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA Abstract 2 School of Engineering, University of The transport of water and sediment from rivers to adjacent floodplains helps generate complex California, Merced, California, USA floodplain, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. However, riverside levees restrict lateral connectiv- Correspondence ity of water and sediment during flood pulses, making the re‐introduction of floodplain hydrogeo- A. L. Nichols, Center for Watershed Sciences, morphic processes through intentional levee breaching and removal an emerging floodplain University of California, Davis, California, USA. restoration practice. Repeated topographic observations from levee breach sites along the lower Email: [email protected] Cosumnes River (USA) indicated that breach architecture influences floodplain and channel hydrogeomorphic processes. Where narrow breaches (<75 m) open onto graded floodplains, Funding information California Department of Fish and Wildlife archetypal crevasse splays developed along a single dominant flowpath, with floodplain erosion (CDFW) Ecosystem Restoration Program in near‐bank areas and lobate splay deposition in distal floodplain regions. Narrow breaches (ERP), Grant/Award Number: E1120001; The opening into excavated floodplain channels promoted both transverse advection and turbulent Nature Concervancy (TNC); Consumnes River Preserve diffusion of sediment into the floodplain channel, facilitating near‐bank deposition and potential breach closure. Wide breaches (>250 m) enabled multiple modes of water and sediment transport onto graded floodplains. -
Biogeochemical and Metabolic Responses to the Flood Pulse in a Semi-Arid Floodplain
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by DigitalCommons@USU 1 Running Head: Semi-arid floodplain response to flood pulse 2 3 4 5 6 Biogeochemical and Metabolic Responses 7 to the Flood Pulse in a Semi-Arid Floodplain 8 9 10 11 with 7 Figures and 3 Tables 12 13 14 15 H. M. Valett1, M.A. Baker2, J.A. Morrice3, C.S. Crawford, 16 M.C. Molles, Jr., C.N. Dahm, D.L. Moyer4, J.R. Thibault, and Lisa M. Ellis 17 18 19 20 21 22 Department of Biology 23 University of New Mexico 24 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USA 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 present addresses: 32 33 1Department of Biology 2Department of Biology 3U.S. EPA 34 Virginia Tech Utah State University Mid-Continent Ecology Division 35 Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 USA Logan, Utah 84322 USA Duluth, Minnesota 55804 USA 36 540-231-2065, 540-231-9307 fax 37 [email protected] 38 4Water Resources Division 39 United States Geological Survey 40 Richmond, Virginia 23228 USA 41 1 1 Abstract: Flood pulse inundation of riparian forests alters rates of nutrient retention and 2 organic matter processing in the aquatic ecosystems formed in the forest interior. Along the 3 Middle Rio Grande (New Mexico, USA), impoundment and levee construction have created 4 riparian forests that differ in their inter-flood intervals (IFIs) because some floodplains are 5 still regularly inundated by the flood pulse (i.e., connected), while other floodplains remain 6 isolated from flooding (i.e., disconnected). -
Impacts of a Flood Pulsing Hydrology on Plants and Invertebrates in Riparian Wetlands
IMPACTS OF A FLOOD PULSING HYDROLOGY ON PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES IN RIPARIAN WETLANDS A dissertation submitted to Kent State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Maureen K. Drinkard August 2012 Dissertation written by Maureen K. Drinkard B.S., Kent State University, 2003 Ph.D., Kent State University, 2012 Approved by ___Ferenc de Szalay_, Chair, Doctoral Dissertation Committee ___Mark Kershner_______, Members, Doctoral Dissertation Committee _____Oscar Rocha________, ____Mandy Munro-Stasiuk_, Accepted by _____James Blank______, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences ______Raymond Craig___, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... vi LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... x CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 Dissertation Goals ............................................................................................. 1 Definition of the Flood Pulse Concept .............................................................. 2 Ecological and economic importance ............................................................... 3 Impacts of environmental -
Hydrologic Alteration of the Lower Rio Grande Terminus: a Quantitative Assessment
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS River. Res. Applic. 25: 241–252 (2009) Published online 29 April 2008 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/rra.1151 HYDROLOGIC ALTERATION OF THE LOWER RIO GRANDE TERMINUS: A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT MICHAEL F. SMALL,* TIMOTHY H. BONNER and JOHN T. BACCUS Department of Biology, Texas State University—San Marcos, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA ABSTRACT The lower Rio Grande is one of several imperilled river reaches in North America. Drought and water withdrawals for agriculture and municipal use are acknowledged as primary sources of riverine degradation. We agree that these are critical components adversely affecting the river but also suggest disruption in the normal flood-pulse cycle of the lower Rio Grande, resulting from impoundment of Falcon Lake and poor management of releases from Falcon Lake Dam, have contributed substantially to decline in ecosystem integrity. We provide statistical evidence and real observations in support of the hypothesis that loss of the natural flood-pulse cycle of the lower Rio Grande has detrimentally affected the riparian ecosystem. Although the presence of adverse effects from disruption of the flood-pulse cycle is intuitive, this is the first report quantifying the degree of alteration in the lower Rio Grande. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words: Rio Grande; Texas; riparian; alteration; flood-pulse cycle Received 9 March 2007; Accepted 28 February 2008 INTRODUCTION Excerpt from CBS Radio Network: ‘Title: One of the world’s most celebrated rivers is almost gone. There’s an old saying in Texas—whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. -
Flooding Dynamics in a Large Low-Gradient Alluvial Fan, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, from Analysis and Interpretation of a 30-Year Hydrometric Record
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 10, 127–137, 2006 www.copernicus.org/EGU/hess/hess/10/127/ Hydrology and SRef-ID: 1607-7938/hess/2006-10-127 Earth System European Geosciences Union Sciences Flooding dynamics in a large low-gradient alluvial fan, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, from analysis and interpretation of a 30-year hydrometric record P. Wolski and M. Murray-Hudson Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana Received: 11 August 2005 – Published in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions: 6 September 2005 Revised: 29 November 2005 – Accepted: 3 January 2006 – Published: 21 February 2006 Abstract. The Okavango Delta is a flood-pulsed wetland, tem, and the flood frequency distribution itself can change, which supports a large tourism industry and the subsistence compared to that at upstream locations (Wolff and Burges, of the local population through the provision of ecosystem 1994). The ecological role of the channel-floodplain interac- services. In order to obtain insight into the influence of var- tion is expressed by the flood pulse concept (Junk et al., 1989; ious environmental factors on flood propagation and distri- Middleton, 1999). According to this concept, floodplain wet- bution in this system, an analysis was undertaken of a 30- lands and riparian ecosystems adjust to, and are maintained, year record of hydrometric data (discharges and water lev- by the pulsing of water, sediment and nutrients that occurs els) from one of the Delta distributaries. The analysis re- during over-bank flow conditions. Odum (1994) addition- vealed that water levels and discharges at any given channel ally identifies flood pulsing at various spatial and temporal site in this distributary are influenced by a complex interplay scales as an energy subsidy to wetland ecosystems, explain- of flood wave and local rainfall inputs, modified by channel- ing in part the high ecological productivity associated with floodplain interactions, in-channel sedimentation and techni- such systems. -
A Geomorphic Monitoring and Adaptive Assessment Framework to Assess the Effect of Lowland Floodplain River Restoration on Channel–Floodplain Sediment Continuity
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS River Res. Applic. (in press) Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/rra.911 A GEOMORPHIC MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF LOWLAND FLOODPLAIN RIVER RESTORATION ON CHANNEL–FLOODPLAIN SEDIMENT CONTINUITY J. L. FLORSHEIM,a* J. F. MOUNTa and C. R. CONSTANTINEb a Geology Department and Center for Integrated Watershed Science and Management, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA b Now at Department of Geological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA ABSTRACT The state of the science of lowland river floodplain restoration reflects the relatively new and experimental nature of large river floodplain rehabilitation efforts. Based on results of a case study of floodplain restoration at the lowland Cosumnes River, California, we present a geomorphic monitoring and adaptive assessment framework that addresses the need to inform and utilize scientific knowledge in lowland floodplain river restoration activities. Highlighting hydrogeomorphic processes that lead to habitat creation, we identify a discharge threshold for connectivity and sediment transfer from the channel to the floodplain and integrate discharge magnitude and duration to quantify a threshold to aid determination of when geomorphic monitoring is warranted. Using floodplain sand deposition volume in splay complexes as one indicator of dynamic floodplain habitat, we develop a model to aid prediction of the sand deposition volume as an assessment tool to use to analyze future monitoring data. Because geomorphic processes that form the physical structure of a habitat are dynamic, and because the most successful restoration projects accommodate this fundamental characteristic of ecosystems, monitoring designs must both identify trends and be adapted iteratively so that relevant features continue to be measured. -
The Applicability of the River Continuum Concept to the Upper Reaches of a Neotropical Lower Montane Stream
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH VOL. 9, NO. 1 (2010) The Applicability of the River Continuum Concept to the Upper Reaches of a Neotropical Lower Montane Stream Nicholas Skaff Department of Biology Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts 02155 USA ABSTRACT The applicability of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) to the upper reaches of Quebrada Máquina, a lower montane stream in Monteverde, Costa Rica, was examined. Macroinvertebrate samples were taken from ten points along the stream from first through fourth order segments. The families of the collected individuals were then categorized based on functional feeding group. The similarity between the families found at each collection point was calculated, along with correlations between the functional groups and various stream characteristics. In most cases, RCC predictions did not apply to Quebrada Máquina. The first (first order) and last (fourth order) sample points were 92% similar despite RCC predictions of substantial divergence in relative functional group abundance. This digression from the RCC predictions may be caused by the relatively few differences in stream characteristics between first and fourth order sections. Specifically, the observed similarities and correlations may have been determined by local scale heterogeneity of the stream characteristics. I. INTRODUCTION first order. Its mergence with another first order stream forms a second order and the Dynamic abiotic and biotic coalescence of two second order streams interactions in pristine river ecosystems are produces a third order and so on [2]. The extremely consistent due to the predictable RCC generally accounts for river orders biological responses to the physical ranging from one to twelve [3]. components [1]. -
The River Continuum Concept
PERSPECTIVES The River Continuum Conce~tl Stroud Water Research Center, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Avondale, PA 1931 1, USA Department of Biology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA Weyerhouser Corporation, Forestry Research, 505 North Pearl Street, Centralist WA 98531, USA Ecosystems Department, Battelle-Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA 99352, USA VANNOTE,R. L., G. W. MINSHALL,K. W. CUMMINS,J. R. SEDELL,AND C. E. CUSHING.1980. Tab . ..,.--.T Fir . -.C~ri 37: 1s137. From headwaters to mouth, the physical variables within a river system present a con- tinuous gradient of physical conditions. This gradient should elicit a series of responses within the constituent populations resulting in a continuum of biotic adjustments and consistent patterns of loading, transport, utilization, and storage of organic matter along the length of a river. Based on the energy equilibrium theory of fluvial geomorphologists, we hypothesize that the structural and functional characteristics of stream conununities are adapted to conform to the most probable position or mean state of the physical system. We reason that producer and consumer communities characteristic of a given river reach become established in harmony with the dynamic physical conditions of the channel. In natural stream systems, biological communities can be characterized as forming a temporal continuum of synchronized species replacements. This continuous replacement functions to distribute the utilization of energy inputs over time. Thus, the biological system moves towards a balance between a tendency for efficient use of energy inputs through resource partitioning (food, substrate, etc.) and an Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1980.37:130-137. opposing tendency for a uniform rate of energy processing throughout the year.