From headwater streams to rivers

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Am. Biol. Teach.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/4445918· OSTI ID:5633269

Cummins, K W

Our present understanding of how running water systems change physically, chemically, and, especially, biologically, with stream order - that is, from headwaters to their mouths - is the theme of the discussion that follows. The basic theme of the generalization about running water systems is that biological communities change in a continuous, predictable fashion from headwaters to mouth, along stream orders, as a function of the physical setting. Channel gradient and morphology, the nature of the sediments, bank slopes, riparian (stream side) vegetation cover, light penetration, and temperature regimes are all factors. An important corollary is that studies of streams and rivers should not be conducted independently of the watershed - the upstream drainage network and its landscape.

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
• OSTI ID: 5633269
• Journal Information: Am. Biol. Teach.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Biol. Teach.; (United States) Vol. 39; ISSN ABITA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATION
CONTROL
DISASTERS
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
FLOOD CONTROL
FLOODS
FOOD CHAINS
RIVERS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
WATERSHEDS