Springs—Groundwater-Borne Ecotones—A Typology, with an Overview on the Diversity of Photoautotrophs in Springs

Cantonati, Marco

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-819166-8.00178-x

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 88 publications

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“…For instance, Stevens et al (2021) used site-specific source geomorphology to define 13 types of springs. Cantonati (2022), instead, used a multicriteria approach to distinguish seven macrotypes of springs. The high spring diversity resulting from the great variety of geological and morphological features in regions with Mediterranean climate implies that almost all types of both Stevens' and Cantonati's classification are present (except for geysers and desert springs).…”

Section: Spring Classificationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, most Mediterranean springs have been domesticated , so their current status is seminatural. In fact, a great proportion of small springs, the most widespread representatives (Cantonati, 2022), which had been originally helocrenes or rheo‐helocrenes, have been transformed to rheocrenes by digging a hole in the ground to reach the subterranean aquifer, or through water mines or wells to concentrate the flow through a spout, a pipe, or a channel. In addition, other artificial elements are sometimes present, such as cisterns or small ditches to transport the water.…”

Section: Functioning and Geological Features Of Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some typical plant species associated with Mediterranean spring ecosystems are currently considered near‐threatened or endangered in Europe (e.g., Christenhusz et al., 2017; de Foucault, 2015), as well as many other narrow‐ranging or endemic plant and animal species (Deleuil, 1974; Jiménez‐Alfaro et al., 2013; Jiménez‐Mejías & Luceño, 2009; Rivas‐Martínez et al., 2011). Although only a few lichen species are known from freshwater habitats, they may offer valuable information about the quality and integrity of spring ecosystems (Cantonati, 2022). There are indications that Mediterranean freshwater habitats contain lichen communities that differ in their taxonomic and functional composition from other European regions and likely host yet‐undiscovered species (Nascimbene et al., 2023), which deserves further research.…”

Section: Biodiversity Of Mediterranean Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Generally, European springs are known to harbor high plant diversity (e.g., see Cantonati & Ortler, 1998; Seiler et al., 2021), including numerous specialized and rare plant species, especially bryophytes (Cantonati et al., 2006; Geissler, 1976). Spring bryophyte communities can also sustain large communities of associated microflora (e.g., diatoms, green algae) and fauna (e.g., nematodes, tardigrades, and arthropods, Cantonati, 2022; see Section 3.3). However, in contrast to other regions (e.g., the Alps), there are very few studies on the vegetation of Mediterranean spring ecosystems.…”

Section: Biodiversity Of Mediterranean Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

Fernández‐Martínez,

Barquín,

Bonada

et al. 2023

Global Change Biology

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Mediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat.

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Section: Spring Classificationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Functioning and Geological Features Of Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Biodiversity Of Mediterranean Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Biodiversity Of Mediterranean Spring Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

Fernández‐Martínez,

Barquín,

Bonada

et al. 2023

Global Change Biology

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Novel Species Record of Ulva intestinalis (Chlorophyta, Ulvaceae) for Kamchatka (NE Asia) from an Isolated Inland Locality

Romanov,

Chernyagina

2024

Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research

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A novel inland record of the green alga Ulva intestinalis was found in central Kamchatka, in a brackish stream originating from cooled waters of drilled thermal springs. This species was observed in May 2017, but not encountered again at the same site despite targeted search. Its occurrence in central Kamchatka was surprising given the natural environment, and was probably related to both the presence of thermal springs and human disturbance. The sporadic inland appearance of U. intestinalis in this region suggests it may be unable to maintain stable populations in this region, and experience repeated local extinctions and recolonizations.

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Using Springs as Sentinels of Climate Change in Nature Parks North and South of the Alps: A Critical Evaluation of Methodological Aspects and Recommendations for Long-Term Monitoring

Cantonati

Lichtenwöhrer²,

Leonhardt

et al. 2022

Water

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Spring ecosystems are diverse transition zones between ground- and surface-water habitats. Due to their characteristics and vulnerable species assemblages, springs are considered indicator systems for monitoring environmental change. In particular, climate change is expected to alter spring-ecosystem features, such as water temperature and discharge, affecting otherwise typically stable biotic and abiotic conditions. However, reliable trend-development recognition and analysis require a uniform methodology and comparable data series over long periods of time. Spring research findings in the Berchtesgaden National Park and the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park have been consolidated to develop methodological recommendations to create lasting societal-added value. The successful transfer of the methodology to the Bavarian Forest National Park and the experienced contribution of the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Nature (Bavarian Climate Alliance) strongly improved method validations. Our resulting, newly developed recommendations for long-term spring monitoring have a focus on climate change impacts and aim at providing a decision-making basis for establishing programs in similar ecological and climatic zones. Uniform site-selection criteria and selected climate-sensitive parameters are indicated. This includes documenting the spring’s environment and structure, measuring abiotic parameters, and determining selected floristic and faunistic groups. We recommend measurement and sampling-survey intervals ranging from 3(4) times yearly to every 5 years, depending on the parameter. We further suggest a database system that integrates all monitoring parameters to ensure consistent data management and storage. Analysing the data resulting from our new holistic spring monitoring methodology should provide critical knowledge about putatively changing ecosystems that can then be used as evidence of climate-change impact on spring ecosystems.

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Springs—Groundwater-Borne Ecotones—A Typology, with an Overview on the Diversity of Photoautotrophs in Springs

Cited by 3 publications

References 88 publications

Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change

Novel Species Record of Ulva intestinalis (Chlorophyta, Ulvaceae) for Kamchatka (NE Asia) from an Isolated Inland Locality

Using Springs as Sentinels of Climate Change in Nature Parks North and South of the Alps: A Critical Evaluation of Methodological Aspects and Recommendations for Long-Term Monitoring

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