Abstract
The ecological integrity of flood plain-river systems is dependent
upon hydrological connections between the main river channel and adjacent
flood plain. These connections facilitate the exchange of carbon and nutrients
and influence productivity. This paper considers carbon dynamics during
phases of connection and disconnection in a large lowland river in southeast
Australia. Data are presented on carbon stores in a number of anabranch
channels during the disconnection phase, and the potential availability of
dissolved organic carbon from these channels during the connection phase.
Anabranch channels are an important physical patch type in this flood plainriver system, containing significant quantities of various carbon sources.
During flooding these channels are potentially important sources of dissolved
organic carbon for the main river channel. However, water resource
development has reduced this potential supply of carbon by reducing
hydrological connectivity between the anabranches and the main river
channel. These changes have implications for the transfer of energy through
the food web and hence also for the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole
upon hydrological connections between the main river channel and adjacent
flood plain. These connections facilitate the exchange of carbon and nutrients
and influence productivity. This paper considers carbon dynamics during
phases of connection and disconnection in a large lowland river in southeast
Australia. Data are presented on carbon stores in a number of anabranch
channels during the disconnection phase, and the potential availability of
dissolved organic carbon from these channels during the connection phase.
Anabranch channels are an important physical patch type in this flood plainriver system, containing significant quantities of various carbon sources.
During flooding these channels are potentially important sources of dissolved
organic carbon for the main river channel. However, water resource
development has reduced this potential supply of carbon by reducing
hydrological connectivity between the anabranches and the main river
channel. These changes have implications for the transfer of energy through
the food web and hence also for the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | The Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems |
Subtitle of host publication | (Proceedings of an international symposium held at Alice Springs, Australia, September 2002 |
Editors | Fiona J. Dyer, Martin C. Thoms, Jon M. Olley |
Place of Publication | Oxfordshire |
Publisher | IAHS Press |
Pages | 19-26 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781901502961 |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Event | International Symposium on the Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems - Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Australia Duration: 2 Sept 2002 → 6 Sept 2002 |
Conference
Conference | International Symposium on the Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems |
---|---|
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Alice Springs |
Period | 2/09/02 → 6/09/02 |