Ecology and Role of Headwater Streams

摘要: Streams are the small bodies of running water that link terrestrial landscape to larger aquatic ecosystems. They organized into drainage networks, and hydrologic connectivity network is important maintaining biological integrity a stream. serve as distinctive habitat for specialized invertebrates, also provide refugia spawning grounds many species. Tight physical connections mean stream chemistry integrates all biogeochemical processes occurring in watershed. Export carbon nutrients from watersheds via streams provides an contribution nutrient loading downstream Biogeochemical riparian zone can result removal organic nitrate surface waters, thereby providing ecosystem service helps prevent eutrophication waters. Because they integrate effects wide variety their watersheds, physical, chemical, characteristics indicators overall health.