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Effects of hydromorphological integrity on biodiversity and functioning of river ecosystems

  • GLOBAL CHANGE AND RIVER ECOSYSTEMS
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Abstract

River channels tend to a dynamic equilibrium driven by the dynamics of water and sediment discharge. The resulting fluctuating pattern of channel form is affected by the slope, the substrate erodibility, and the vegetation in the river corridor and in the catchment. Geomorphology is basic to river biodiversity and ecosystem functioning since the channel pattern provides habitat for the biota and physical framework for ecosystem processes. Human activities increasingly change the natural drivers of channel morphology on a global scale (e.g. urbanization increases hydrological extremes, and clearing of forests for agriculture increases sediment yield). In addition, human actions common along world rivers impact channel dynamics directly, e.g. river regulation simplifies and fossilizes channel form. River conservation and restoration must incorporate mechanisms of channel formation and ecological consequences of channel form and dynamics. This article (1) summarizes the role of channel form on biodiversity and functioning of river ecosystems, (2) describes spatial complexity, connectivity and dynamism as three key hydromorphological attributes, (3) identifies prevalent human activities that impact these key components and (4) analyzes gaps in current knowledge and identifies future research topics.

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Acknowledgements

This paper was supported by the Project ‘Complextream: effects of channel complexity on stream communities and ecosystem functioning’, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project CGL2007-65176/HID). Stan Gregory (Oregon State University) checked the English style.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, PO Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain

    Arturo Elosegi & Joserra Díez

  2. Department of Freshwater Conservation, Brandenburg University of Technology, Seestr. 45, 15526, Bad Saarow, Germany

    Michael Mutz

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  1. Arturo Elosegi
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  2. Joserra Díez
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  3. Michael Mutz
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Correspondence to Arturo Elosegi.

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Guest editors: R. J. Stevenson, S. Sabater / Global Change and River Ecosystems – Implications for Structure, Function and Ecosystem Services

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Elosegi, A., Díez, J. & Mutz, M. Effects of hydromorphological integrity on biodiversity and functioning of river ecosystems. Hydrobiologia 657, 199–215 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-009-0083-4

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