Stream Vulnerability to Widespread and Emergent Stressors: A Focus on Unconventional Oil and Gas

摘要: Multiple stressors threaten stream physical and biological quality, including elevated nutrients other contaminants, riparian in-stream habitat degradation altered natural flow regime. Unconventional oil gas (UOG) development is one emerging stressor that spans the U.S. UOG could alter sedimentation, extent composition, flow, water quality. We developed indices to describe watershed sensitivity exposure anthropogenic disturbances computed a vulnerability index from these two scores across catchments in six productive shale plays. predicted catchment would vary plays due climatic, geologic differences. Across-shale averages supported this prediction revealing differences sensitivity, exposure, resulted different environmental conditions. For example, semi-arid Western play (Mowry, Hilliard, Bakken) tended be more sensitive low annual average precipitation extensive grassland. Catchments Barnett Marcellus-Utica were naturally erosive soils steeper slopes, but also experienced areas with greater densities urbanization. Our analysis suggested Fayetteville vulnerable existing exposure. However, all had spanned wide gradient. results identify can help prioritize protection monitoring efforts. Resource managers use findings guide local activities reduce possible effects.