Article
Biology
Maria Mar Sanchez-Montoya, Thibault Datry, Albert Ruhi, Stephanie M. Carlson, Roland Corti, Klement Tockner
Summary: This article expands the research focus of river ecology, discussing the impact of river drying on the movement of aquatic and terrestrial animals. It introduces a conceptual model challenging the current bias towards perennial waterways, encompassing animal movement across hydrologic phases and habitats. The authors argue that a comprehensive and inclusive view of animal movement in dry channels will enhance ecological understanding of river networks and conservation efforts.
Review
Ecology
Rosetta C. Blackman, Florian Altermatt, Arnaud Foulquier, Tristan Lefebure, Mailys Gauthier, Agnes Bouchez, Rachel Stubbington, Alexander M. Weigand, Florian Leese, Thibault Datry
Summary: Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams are waterways that periodically cease flow or dry completely, found worldwide. These dynamic ecosystems play a crucial role in the evolutionary triggers for aquatic and terrestrial biota, with potential consequences for ecosystem services. Novel genomic tools based on high-throughput sequencing have the potential to address unanswered questions and bridge ecological-evolutionary dynamics in these ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Alisha L. Steward, Thibault Datry, Simone D. Langhans
Summary: Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are common waterways worldwide, supporting diverse terrestrial and semi-aquatic invertebrate fauna. However, research on these organisms is limited due to their interdisciplinary nature. This paper reviews the current literature on IRES invertebrates and presents conceptual models to understand their response to hydrological changes. The models are tested using data from wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. Collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists is encouraged to further explore these organisms and ecosystems.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mathis Loic Messager, Bernhard Lehner, Charlotte Cockburn, Nicolas Lamouroux, Herve Pella, Ton Snelder, Klement Tockner, Tim Trautmann, Caitlin Watt, Thibault Datry
Summary: Flowing waters play a crucial role in supporting global biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, and human societies. However, the prevalence and significance of non-perennial rivers and streams are often overlooked, contributing to the degradation of water sources and livelihoods. By analyzing global data, it was found that a significant portion of the world's rivers experience at least one day of flow cessation each year, challenging traditional river concepts and highlighting the importance of considering intermittence in river management.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rebeca Arias-Real, Cayetano Gutierrez-Canovas, Margarita Menendez, Isabel Munoz
Summary: This study investigates the drying preferences of macroinvertebrates in intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) and their potential as biomonitoring indicators. The research identifies certain macroinvertebrate groups with drying-resistant niches that can serve as potential indicators in IRES. However, functional traits have limited ability to predict drying specialization. The density, relative abundance, and richness of drying-resistant taxa are less affected by drying intensity compared to drying-sensitive taxa.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Adam N. Price, C. Nathan Jones, John C. Hammond, Margaret A. Zimmer, Samuel C. Zipper
Summary: The study analyzed 25,207 drying events from 1979 to 2018 using data from 894 USGS gauges, identifying different drying regimes based on hydrological characteristics. It was found that land cover/use has a greater impact on how rivers dry up compared to climate or physiographic characteristics.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. L. Korbel, H. Rutlidge, G. C. Hose, S. M. Eberhard, M. S. Andersen
Summary: The exchange between groundwater, hyporheic zone waters, and surface waters is crucial for water quality, quantity, and ecological health. Microbial communities in intermittent creeks were found to be sensitive indicators of fine-scale hydrologic changes and the importance of GW-SW exchange.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junyuan Fei, Jintao Liu, Linghong Ke, Wen Wang, Pengfei Wu, Yuyan Zhou
Summary: A new two-stage method based on deep learning is proposed to extract alpine IRES from Sentinel-1 time series and digital elevation models. The method utilizes cross-orbits double-periods images and critical drainage accumulation to address mixed-pixel problem and non-channelized overland flow disturbance. The results show that the method outperforms other river extraction methods and can detect narrower or lower flow IRES.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Amelie Truchy, Zoltan Csabai, Louise Mimeau, Annika Kunne, Balint Pernecker, Willy Bertin, Florent Pellizzaro, Thibault Datry
Summary: This article discusses how smartphone applications used by citizen scientists can be utilized to quantify the extent and occurrence of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams. It introduces a new app, DRYRivERS, specifically designed for monitoring such rivers. Through case studies, it demonstrates the potential of citizen science in improving knowledge of these river ecosystems and guiding water management policies.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jay R. Christensen, Heather E. Golden, Laurie C. Alexander, Brian R. Pickard, Ken M. Fritz, Charles R. Lane, Marc H. Weber, Rose M. Kwok, Madeline N. Keefer
Summary: This study reviews the geospatial datasets of stream and wetland in the United States and identifies their limitations. It also explores emerging technologies that can potentially improve the estimation, representation, and integration of these datasets.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Songyan Yu, Ryan M. Burrows, Margaret Shanafield, Mark J. Kennard
Summary: This study found that the water level in non-perennial streams recedes at a constant rate after streamflow ceases, which is often higher than that during low-flow periods. However, water-level recession rates vary significantly between different cease-to-flow periods and streams. Further research is needed to understand the factors influencing water-level recession rates for ungauged streams and identifying persistent aquatic refuges across river networks.
ADVANCES IN WATER RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lluis Gomez-Gener, Andre R. Siebers, Maria Isabel Arce, Shai Arnon, Susana Bernal, Rossano Bolpagni, Thibault Datry, Giulia Gionchetta, Hans-Peter Grossart, Clara Mendoza-Lera, Vivien Pohl, Ute Risse-Buhl, Oleksandra Shumilova, Ourania Tzoraki, Daniel von Schiller, Alexander Weigand, Gabriele Weigelhofer, Dominik Zak, Annamaria Zoppini
Summary: Surface-groundwater interactions in intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams have significant impacts on biogeochemical processes, but further research is needed to understand the specific differences in various hydrological states.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Darixa D. Hernandez-Abrams, Scott Connelly, Mary C. Freeman, Pablo E. Gutierrez-Fonseca, Seth J. Wenger
Summary: The ecological effects of flooding and drying events in Neotropics, particularly in intermittent streams, are not well researched. This study conducted in Costa Rica aimed to evaluate the response of macroinvertebrate communities to seasonal changes in flow regime. The results showed differences in taxonomic richness and density between the two streams and their habitats, with the intermittent stream riffles having higher richness during the dry season.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ophelie Fovet, Axel Belemtougri, Laurie Boithias, Isabelle Braud, Jean-Baptiste Charlier, Marylise Cottet, Kevin Daudin, Guillaume Dramais, Agnes Ducharne, Nathalie Folton, Manuela Grippa, Basile Hector, Sylvain Kuppel, Jerome Le Coz, Luc Legal, Philippe Martin, Florentina Moatar, Jerome Molenat, Anne Probst, Jean Riotte, Jean-Philippe Vidal, Fabrice Vinatier, Thibault Datry
Summary: Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams play a crucial role in supporting freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services globally. Developing a systemic approach that considers their various properties and interactions with human societies is essential for better understanding and conservation of these important ecosystems.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-WATER
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oliver S. Schilling, Peter G. Cook, Pauline F. Grierson, Shawan Dogramaci, Craig T. Simmons
Summary: This study investigated the controls for SW-GW-vegetation interactions along intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams through numerical experiments. Results showed that infiltration is controlled by ephemerality and hydraulic conductivity (K), while transpiration is influenced by a complex interplay between ephemerality, hydraulic properties, and vegetation.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samson G. Mengistu, Heather E. Golden, Charles R. Lane, Jay R. Christensen, Michael L. Wine, Ellen D'Amico, Amy Prues, Scott G. Leibowitz, Jana E. Compton, Marc H. Weber, Ryan A. Hill
Summary: Eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and human health impacts are critical environmental challenges resulting from excess nitrogen and phosphorus in surface waters. We developed a set of wetland hydrological transport variables to explore how wetlands explain the variability in total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations across the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) in the United States. We found that wetland flowpath variables improved the regression models and provided insights into potential processes governing how wetlands influence watershed-scale TN and TP concentrations.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Charles R. Lane, Irena F. Creed, Heather E. Golden, Scott G. Leibowitz, David M. Mushet, Mark C. Rains, Qiusheng Wu, Ellen D'Amico, Laurie C. Alexander, Genevieve A. Ali, Nandita B. Basu, Micah G. Bennett, Jay R. Christensen, Matthew J. Cohen, Tim P. Covino, Ben DeVries, Ryan A. Hill, Kelsey Jencso, Megan W. Lang, Daniel L. McLaughlin, Donald O. Rosenberry, Jennifer Rover, Melanie K. Vanderhoof
Summary: Vulnerable waters play a crucial role in maintaining watershed resilience by storing, processing, and releasing water and materials. Modifying these waters can decrease resilience and trigger transitions to alternative watershed states. Spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability in hydrological and biogeochemical interactions are essential for resilient watersheds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael J. Pennino, Scott G. Leibowitz, Jana E. Compton, Mussie T. Beyene, Stephen D. LeDuc
Summary: Wildfires in the United States pose a threat to water quality, potentially increasing contaminants such as nitrate, arsenic, and disinfection byproducts, especially in the wildland-urban interface. Regulated contaminants show harmful increases in source water quality post-wildfire, highlighting the need for awareness and adaptation by public water system operators.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Scott P. Keely, Nichole E. Brinkman, Emily A. Wheaton, Michael A. Jahne, Shawn D. Siefring, Manju Varma, Ryan A. Hill, Scott G. Leibowitz, Roy W. Martin, Jay L. Garland, Richard A. Haugland
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem caused by the excessive use of antimicrobials. The spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) through the environment and their impact on microbial pathogens are not well understood. This study reveals that water bodies receiving waste discharge have higher risks of microbial exposure compared to less disturbed aquatic environments. The findings provide valuable information for assessing the effect of environmental ARGs on public health and implementing mitigation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher J. Sergeant, Erin K. Sexton, Jonathan W. Moore, Alana R. Westwood, Sonia A. Nagorski, Joseph L. Ebersole, David M. Chambers, Sarah L. O'Neal, Rachel L. Malison, F. Richard Hauer, Diane C. Whited, Jill Weitz, Jackie Caldwell, Marissa Capito, Mark Connor, Christopher A. Frissell, Greg Knox, Erin D. Lowery, Randal Macnair, Vicki Marlatt, Jenifer K. McIntyre, Megan McPhee, Nikki Skuce
Summary: Mining operations have harmful effects on salmonids and their ecosystems, including toxic contamination, stream channel burial, and flow regime alteration. Science should guide policy-making during crucial stages of mining governance to protect salmonids.
Review
Environmental Sciences
M. J. Paul, S. D. LeDuc, M. G. Lassiter, L. C. Moorhead, P. D. Noyes, S. G. Leibowitz
Summary: Wildfires have increased in frequency and have significant impacts on water quality, including physical, chemical, and biological changes. These effects typically last less than 5 years, but can extend up to 15 years or more in certain cases. Studies on pollutants mobilized from wildfires in urban areas are limited.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Luisa Riato, Scott G. Leibowitz, Marc H. Weber, Ryan A. Hill
Summary: River and stream conservation programs traditionally focused on a single spatial scale, but recent studies have emphasized the importance of incorporating a landscape perspective at multiple scales. This study examined the application of a framework that links landscape integrity with stream biological condition, and found that national indicators were insufficient for the study area. By developing a regional indicator and using a multiscale approach, the analysis improved the classification of underperforming sites and provided useful tools for stream conservation actions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessie. M. M. Doyle, Ryan. A. A. Hill, Scott. G. G. Leibowitz, Joseph. L. L. Ebersole
Summary: Channel dimensions have significant impacts on instream ecological processes and are important for habitat restoration and flow assessments. We created a dataset of modeled channel dimensions for perennial streams in the United States to facilitate research and protection of aquatic resources.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan A. Hill, Chris C. Moore, Jessie M. Doyle, Scott G. Leibowitz, Paul L. Ringold, Brenda Rashleigh
Summary: The US EPA uses a water quality index (WQI) to estimate the benefits of proposed Clean Water Act regulations. However, the WQI may not fully capture the nonuse value of water resources. Therefore, an index of biological integrity is identified to supplement the WQI in order to capture the existence value of streams and lakes more accurately.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amalia M. Handler, Jana E. Compton, Ryan A. Hill, Scott G. Leibowitz, Blake A. Schaeffer
Summary: By combining satellite imagery and field surveys, this study successfully modeled the risk of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in lakes. This approach can aid in monitoring and managing water quality by identifying lakes at risk of developing harmful algal blooms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mussie T. Beyene, Scott G. Leibowitz, Christopher J. Dunn, Kevin D. Bladon
Summary: This study assessed the impact of both wildfires and prescribed fires on trace element concentrations in streams in the western US. The results showed that high-severity wildfires caused significant increases in trace element concentrations, while prescribed fires did not.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Francine H. Mejia, Valerie Ouellet, Martin A. Briggs, Stephanie M. Carlson, Roser Casas-Mulet, Mollie Chapman, Mathias J. Collins, Stephen J. Dugdale, Joseph L. Ebersole, Danielle M. Frechette, Aimee H. Fullerton, Carole-Anne Gillis, Zachary C. Johnson, Christa Kelleher, Barret L. Kurylyk, Rebecca Lave, Benjamin H. Letcher, Knut M. Myrvold, Tracie-Lynn Nadeau, Helen Neville, Herve Piegay, Kathryn A. Smith, Diego Tonolla, Christian E. Torgersen
Summary: Human activities and climate change have negative impacts on coldwater organisms in freshwater ecosystems by warming rivers and streams, increasing warm temperature events, and reducing thermal heterogeneity. It is crucial to adopt cohesive management approaches to protect cold-water refuges, considering physical, biological, and social factors. Current policies for protecting thermally sensitive species include designating cold-water habitats, restricting fishing during warm periods, and implementing temperature standards or guidelines. However, these policies lack coordination and Indigenous peoples' input. We propose managing cold-water refuges as distinct operational landscape units, integrating science and management to prioritize actions and implement adaptive practices.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mussie T. Beyene, Scott G. Leibowitz, Marcia Snyder, Joseph L. Ebersole, Vance W. Almquist
Summary: Recent increases in wildfire burn area in the western US have raised concerns about the impact on stream water temperature, particularly in winter and summer. This study assessed the effects of wildfire burns on downstream water temperatures at three different sites over a three-year period using three statistical approaches. The results showed that the response of water temperatures to wildfire burns varied across seasons and sites, with increases in summer and decreases in winter temperatures observed. The effects of wildfires on downstream water temperatures diminished with increasing distance from the burn perimeter.