Integrating thermal infrared stream temperature imagery and spatial stream network models to understand natural spatial thermal variability in streams

Quantifying Hydraulic Geometry and Whitewater Coverage for Steep Proglacial Streams to Support Process-Based Stream Temperature Modelling

At-a-station hydraulic geometry (AASHG) relationships describe the dependence of a river's width, mean depth and mean velocity on discharge at a given location, and are typically modelled as power-law functions. They are often used when modelling stream temperature under unsteady flow conditions. Deriving AASHG relationships is challenging for steep proglacial streams due to the combination of complex morphology and velocity distributions, and rapidly varying flow. The objective of this study was to combine tracer injections with drone-based photogrammetry to derive AASHG relationships for a steep proglacial channel and to quantify whitewater coverage and its relationship with discharge to support process-based stream temperature modelling. Velocity-discharge and width-discharge relationships were reasonably well characterised using power-law functions, but varied amongst sub-reaches. Whitewater coverage as a fraction of total stream surface area generally exceeded 50% for the range of flows sampled, and exhibited a statistically significant positive relationship with discharge, which varied amongst sub-reaches. For the range of flows captured during drone flights, the relationship could be represented by a linear function. However, an asymptotic model would be required to extend the relationship to higher flows. The magnitude of whitewater coverage indicates that the albedo of the stream should be substantially higher than values typically used in stream temperature models, and the relationship with discharge means that ongoing glacier retreat, and the associated reduction in summer discharge, should result in lower albedo and higher downstream warming rates, reinforcing the effects of decreasing velocity and mean depth as flows decline.

Closing the gap between science and management of cold-water refuges in rivers and streams

Human activities and climate change threaten coldwater organisms in freshwater ecosystems by causing rivers and streams to warm, increasing the intensity and frequency of warm temperature events, and reducing thermal heterogeneity. Cold-water refuges are discrete patches of relatively cool water that are used by coldwater organisms for thermal relief and short-term survival. Globally, cohesive management approaches are needed that consider interlinked physical, biological, and social factors of cold-water refuges. We review current understanding of cold-water refuges, identify gaps between science and management, and evaluate policies aimed at protecting thermally sensitive species. Existing policies include designating cold-water habitats, restricting fishing during warm periods, and implementing threshold temperature standards or guidelines. However, these policies are rare and uncoordinated across spatial scales and often do not consider input from Indigenous peoples. We propose that cold-water refuges be managed as distinct operational landscape units, which provide a social and ecological context that is relevant at the watershed scale. These operational landscape units provide the foundation for an integrated framework that links science and management by (1) mapping and characterizing cold-water refuges to prioritize management and conservation actions, (2) leveraging existing and new policies, (3) improving coordination across jurisdictions, and (4) implementing adaptive management practices across scales. Our findings show that while there are many opportunities for scientific advancement, the current state of the sciences is sufficient to inform policy and management. Our proposed framework provides a path forward for managing and protecting cold-water refuges using existing and new policies to protect coldwater organisms in the face of global change.