Thesis
Cold, snowmelt streams contribute to macro-invertebrate community differences in Washington State
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103172
Abstract
Across the western United States benthic macro-invertebrate community composition is associated with stream flow regime, particularly with flow magnitude and variability. However, timing of annual high flows is a key component that distinguishes stream flow regimes in the Pacific Northwest where streams experience varying contributions of snowmelt and rain runoff. Streams with flow regimes heavily influenced by snowmelt occur at higher elevations in basins with deeper snowpack. These mountainous streams also have cooler water temperatures that may influence invertebrate community composition. To detect potential associations between stream flow regimes characterized by snowmelt and rain runoff contributions, stream temperature, and benthic macro-invertebrate community composition, we used community data collected in 2011 by public agencies across Washington State. Stream flow regime and temperature were significantly associated with macro-invertebrate community taxonomic composition but not with trait composition. We observed community differences between streams with snowmelt and rain runoff flow regimes and between streams above or below approximately 12 °C. Differences in macro-invertebrate community composition between cold, snowmelt and warm, rain runoff streams suggest that these communities may be sensitive to climate warming.
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Details
- Title
- Cold, snowmelt streams contribute to macro-invertebrate community differences in Washington State
- Creators
- Laura Livingston
- Contributors
- Alexander Kent Fremier (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525133801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis