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A heuristic model for potential geomorphic influences on trophic interactions in streams

Publication ,  Journal Article
Doyle, MW
Published in: Geomorphology
July 30, 2006

Whereas certain linkages between stream channel morphology and stream ecology are fairly well-understood, how geomorphology influences trophic interactions remains largely unknown. As a first step, a simple, heuristic model is developed that couples reach-scale geomorphic morphology with trophic dynamics between vegetation, detritus, herbivores, and predators. Predation is assumed to increase with depth beyond a threshold depth, and herbivory is assumed to decrease with velocity beyond a threshold velocity. Results show that the modeled food chain is sensitive to channel geometry, particularly around the threshold conditions for predators and herbivores. Importantly, geomorphic influences are not isolated to a particular trophic level, but rather are transferred through the food chain via top-down and bottom-up effects. The modeled system is particularly sensitive to changes in the end-members of the food chain: vegetation and predators. Results illustrate that geomorphic disturbances, known to affect a single trophic level (e.g., fish), likely impact multiple trophic levels in the stream ecosystem via trophic interactions. Such impacts at the multiple trophic level are poorly understood. While limited by the lack of empirical long-term data for testing and calibration, this simple model provides a structure for generating hypotheses, collecting targeted data, and assessing the potential impacts of stream disturbance or restoration on entire stream ecosystems. Further, the model illustrates the potential for future coupled stream models to explore spatial and temporal linkages. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Published In

Geomorphology

DOI

ISSN

0169-555X

Publication Date

July 30, 2006

Volume

77

Issue

3-4

Start / End Page

235 / 248

Related Subject Headings

  • Geography
  • 0406 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
  • 0403 Geology
 

Citation

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Doyle, M. W. (2006). A heuristic model for potential geomorphic influences on trophic interactions in streams. Geomorphology, 77(3–4), 235–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.01.007
Doyle, M. W. “A heuristic model for potential geomorphic influences on trophic interactions in streams.” Geomorphology 77, no. 3–4 (July 30, 2006): 235–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.01.007.
Doyle, M. W. “A heuristic model for potential geomorphic influences on trophic interactions in streams.” Geomorphology, vol. 77, no. 3–4, July 2006, pp. 235–48. Scopus, doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.01.007.
Doyle MW. A heuristic model for potential geomorphic influences on trophic interactions in streams. Geomorphology. 2006 Jul 30;77(3–4):235–248.
Journal cover image

Published In

Geomorphology

DOI

ISSN

0169-555X

Publication Date

July 30, 2006

Volume

77

Issue

3-4

Start / End Page

235 / 248

Related Subject Headings

  • Geography
  • 0406 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
  • 0403 Geology