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Climate Drivers and Sources of Sediment and Organic Matter Fluxes in Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (IRES) of a Subtropical Watershed, USA. CLIMATE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cli8100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Climate-driven hydrological models rarely incorporate intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) due to monitoring difficulties and their perceived minor effect on river networks. Worldwide, IRES represent approximately 50% of river networks and up to 60% of annual flow and are recognized as conduits and processors of organic matter (OM). Climate induced changes in precipitation and discharge (Q) may impact OM fluxes from IRES. We assessed storm-driven source and flux of total suspended solids (TSS) and OM from small IRES in Mississippi, USA. We used linear Pearson correlations to evaluate relationships between water and storm characteristics (e.g., discharge). Stepwise regression was used to predict change in flux. Dissolved OM was derived from saturated flow through soil whereas particulate OM was derived from channel extension during storms. A power log relationship between Q and materials flux indicated that Q was the driver for flux. A 5% increase in Q within IRES may result in flux increase of 2% TSS and 1.7–2.8% OM. Climate change projections of increased storm intensity over a shorter water year will increase channel extension and soil water transfer resulting in higher material flux to downstream reaches. Climate-driven hydrological models of OM flux should incorporate IRES.
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Fritz KM, Nadeau TL, Kelso JE, Beck WS, Mazor RD, Harrington RA, Topping BJ. Classifying Streamflow Duration: The Scientific Basis and an Operational Framework for Method Development. WATER 2020; 12:1-2545. [PMID: 33133647 PMCID: PMC7592706 DOI: 10.3390/w12092545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Streamflow duration is used to differentiate reaches into discrete classes (e.g., perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral) for water resource management. Because the depiction of the extent and flow duration of streams via existing maps, remote sensing, and gauging is constrained, field-based tools are needed for use by practitioners and to validate hydrography and modeling advances. Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods (SDAMs) are rapid, reach-scale indices or models that use physical and biological indicators to predict flow duration class. We review the scientific basis for indicators and present conceptual and operational frameworks for SDAM development. Indicators can be responses to or controls of flow duration. Aquatic and terrestrial responses can be integrated into SDAMs, reflecting concurrent increases and decreases along the flow duration gradient. The conceptual framework for data-driven SDAM development shows interrelationships among the key components: study reaches, hydrologic data, and indicators. We present a generalized operational framework for SDAM development that integrates the data-driven components through five process steps: preparation, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and implementation. We highlight priorities for the advancement of SDAMs, including expansion of gauging of nonperennial reaches, use of citizen science data, adjusting for stressor gradients, and statistical and monitoring advances to improve indicator effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken M. Fritz
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Tracie-Lynn Nadeau
- Region 10, US Environmental Protection Agency, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Julia E. Kelso
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Fellow, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Whitney S. Beck
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Raphael D. Mazor
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
| | - Rachel A. Harrington
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Brian J. Topping
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
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