Abstract
AbstractWe examined the effect of vertical hydrological exchange on physicochemical variables, periphyton biomass (ecosystem properties), and sediment respiration (ecosystem process) at 2 spatial scales along a large gravel-bed river (Tagliamento River, northeastern Italy). At the regional scale, we investigated a 29-km-long, expanding and contracting, losing (average flow decrease 2.5 m3 s−1 km−1) and a 12.5-km-long, stable, gaining (average increase 0.3 m3 s−1 km−1) reach. At the local scale, we sampled riffle head and riffle tail units nested within the losing and gaining reaches. At the regional scale, we characterized vertical exchange by strong downwelling (negative vertical hydraulic gradient; VHG) in the losing and moderate upwelling (positive VHG) in the gaining reach. Nutrients, such as NO3-N and dissolved N (DN), and periphyton biomass (AFDM) showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentration in the losing than in the gaining reach. A contrasting pattern emerged for sediment respiration. Exp...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
