An ecosystem framework for river science and management

Thoms, Martín

doi:10.1002/9781118643525.ch2

Cited by 10 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…In both cases, an understanding of how measures of these parameters vary across spatial scales is critical if the information they provide is to be used effectively by those managing fluvial networks (Wiens , Schlosser , Fausch et al. , Delong and Thoms ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ecosystem metabolism is of interest as it is a fundamental property of stream ecosystems that is being increasingly used as a measure of aquatic ecosystem health (Hall and Hotchkiss 2017). In both cases, an understanding of how measures of these parameters vary across spatial scales is critical if the information they provide is to be used effectively by those managing fluvial networks (Wiens 1989, Schlosser 1991, Fausch et al 2002, Delong and Thoms 2016.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A patchy continuum? Stream processes show varied responses to patch‐ and continuum‐based analyses

et al. 2018

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Many conceptual syntheses in ecology and evolution are undergirded by either a patch‐ or continuum‐based model. Examples include gradualism and punctuated equilibrium in evolution, and edge effects and the theory of island biogeography in ecology. In this study, we sought to determine how patch‐ or continuum‐based analyses could explain variation in concentrations of stream macronutrients and system metabolism, represented by measures of productivity and respiration rates, at the watershed scale across the Kanawha River Basin, USA. Using Strahler stream order (SSO; continuum) and functional process zone (FPZ; patch) as factors, we produced statistical models for each variable and compared model performance using likelihood ratio tests. Only one nutrient (i.e., PO43−) responded better to patch‐based analysis. Both models were significantly better than a null model for ecosystem respiration; however, neither outperformed the other. Importantly, in most cases, a combination model, including both SSO and FPZ, best described observed variation in the system. Our findings suggest that several patch‐ and continuum‐based processes may simultaneously influence the concentration of macronutrients and system metabolism. Nutrient spiraling along a continuum and the patch mosaic of land cover may both alter macronutrients, for example. Similarly, increases in temperature and discharge associated with increasing SSO, as well as the differences in light availability and channel morphology associated with different FPZs, may influence system metabolism. For these reasons, we recommend a combination of patch‐ and continuum‐based analyses when modeling, analyzing, and interpreting patterns in stream ecosystem parameters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A patchy continuum? Stream processes show varied responses to patch‐ and continuum‐based analyses

et al. 2018

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“…). It is apparent from this definition that biocomplexity requires an interdisciplinary approach in order to gain an understanding of the organization and interactions within ecosystems (Delong and Thoms ). Floodplain rivers are an excellent landscape for investigating ecosystem biocomplexity (Tockner et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Biocomplexity is defined as the "properties emerging from the interplay of behavorial, biological, chemical, physical, and social interactions that affect, sustain, and are modified by living organisms" (Michener et al 2001). It is apparent from this definition that biocomplexity requires an interdisciplinary approach in order to gain an understanding of the organization and interactions within ecosystems (Delong and Thoms 2016a). Floodplain rivers are an excellent landscape for investigating ecosystem biocomplexity (Tockner et al 2010a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactive effects of hydrogeomorphology on fish community structure in a large floodplain river

Thoms

Sorenson

2019

Ecosphere

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Biocomplexity is an emergent property of ecosystems that captures the interplay of structures and processes at multiple scales. These interactions can establish a dynamic habitat template that serves as a filter to define ecological organization across landscapes. Studies of biocomplexity in floodplain rivers typically focus on hydrological variability or geomorphic heterogeneity separately, with their interactions being an output rather than the direct focus of investigations. This study examines the interaction of hydrological variability and geomorphic heterogeneity across 25 off‐channel habitats (OCHs) of the Upper Mississippi River, USA. Questions posed were as follows: What are the interactive effects of hydrological variability and geomorphic heterogeneity shaping the physical habitat template of OCHs? and How does the organization of the physical habitat template influence fish community composition within OCHs? Three distinct OCH groups emerged from this study: where hydrological variability defined Group 1 (Lake group); Group 2 was organized via geomorphic heterogeneity (Backwater group); and a combination of hydrological and geomorphological variables defined Group 3 (Slackwater group). Thus, the differential interaction of hydrology and geomorphology defined the dynamic physical habitat template of OCHs in this riverine landscape. No significant difference between the association matrices of the hydrogeomorphic template and fish community composition for the 25 OCH sites was recorded. A priori grouping of fish into the three OCH groups revealed marked differences in fish community composition. A subset of hydrogeomorphic variables that defined the physical character of the OCHs acted as an environmental filter for the fish community composition of the three OCH groups. A conceptual model explaining hydrogeomorphic–ecological interactions across the OCHs of this floodplain river system is provided.

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“…). Understanding and effective management of river systems at the watershed‐scale — the river network — requires data, information, tools, and actions to occur at appropriate scales; however, the traditional focus of river research, monitoring, and assessment has been limited to the scale of the site or reach (Delong and Thoms ; Thoms et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of River Networks: A GIS Approach and Its Applications

Thoms

Scown

Flotemersch

2018

J American Water Resour Assoc

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Fluvial geomorphology provides the basis for characterizing complex river networks and evaluating biophysical processes within watersheds. Understanding the spatial organization of morphological features, their influencing processes, and resultant geomorphic diversity in stream networks are important for efficient restoration, river health assessment, and improving our knowledge of the resilience of riverine landscapes. River characterization is a means to determine the biophysical character of river networks but many methods are fraught with pitfalls, such as the use of incorrect variables and limited acknowledgment of the hierarchical organization of rivers. In this paper, a top‐down geographic information system‐based approach for determining the physical typology of river networks is outlined. A suite of multivariate analyses are used to develop a nomenclature for functional process zones (FPZs) — large tracts of the river network with similar hydro‐geomorphological character. Applied to the Little Miami River, Ohio, six distinct FPZs emerged, which had a nonuniform distribution along the river network. Some FPZs repeated downstream; others were rare in terms of total length and number of FPZ segments. The physical structure of the Little Miami River network was analyzed using a series of community metrics. Application of this approach for river monitoring, establishing reference conditions, as well as management of threatened and endangered species and asset trading is highlighted.

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An ecosystem framework for river science and management

Cited by 10 publications

References 60 publications

A patchy continuum? Stream processes show varied responses to patch‐ and continuum‐based analyses

A patchy continuum? Stream processes show varied responses to patch‐ and continuum‐based analyses

Interactive effects of hydrogeomorphology on fish community structure in a large floodplain river

Characterization of River Networks: A GIS Approach and Its Applications

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