The ecohydrology of stream networks

2009

Harris, Celeste

Thoms, Martin

Scown, Murray

Editor(s): Martin Thoms, Kate Heal, Eva Bogh, Antonio Chambel and Vladimir Smakhtin

Conference Publication

en

Publication

IAHS Press

Wallingford, United Kingdom

IAHS Publication

une:8001

Stream ordering approaches to the study of entire stream networks are relatively simple and provide only crude estimations of the physical makeup of river ecosystems. These fail to acknowledge the importance of the hierarchical organisation of rivers and consequently use very crude variables when characterising stream networks. We provide an alternative typology for characterising the physical structure of rivers, which focuses on a specific level within the geomorphic river hierarchy, and employs a set of regional, catchment and valley criteria for developing a quantitative river characterisation scheme. Fifteen geomorphic variables were extracted from digital data using automated geographic information system modules and evaluated using a series of multivariate analyses. This allowed distinct river types within a stream network to emerge. Our approach was demonstrated in the Ovens River, Australia. The physical structure of the Ovens River stream network was further analysed using a series of community metrics: richness, composition and diversity of river types.

link

Ecohydrology of Surface and Groundwater Dependent Systems: Concepts, Methods and Recent Developments - Proceedings of Symposium JS.1 at the Joint IAHS & IAH Convention, p. 127-136

1901502996

9781901502992

127

136