Flow variability and the ecology of large rivers
J. T. Puckridge, F. Sheldon, K. F. Walker and A. J. Boulton
Abstract
Ecological processes in large rivers are controlled by their flow variability.
However, it is difficult to find measures of hydrological variability that
characterize groups of rivers and can also be used to generate hypotheses
about their ecology. Multivariate analyses of the hydrographs of 52 rivers
worldwide revealed distinctive patterns of flow variability that were often
correlated with climate. For example, there were groups of rivers that
corresponded broadly with ‘tropical’ and ‘dryland’
climates. However, some rivers from continental climates occupy both extremes
of this range, illustrating the limitations of simple classification.
Individual rivers and groups of rivers may also have different hydrographic
‘signatures’, and attempts to combine measures of hydrological
variability into indices mask biologically significant information. This paper
identifies 11 relatively independent measures of hydrological variability that
help categorize river types and are each associated with aspects of fish
biology. Ways are suggested by which the Flood Pulse Concept can be expanded
to encompass hydrological variability and accommodate differences among groups
of rivers from different climatic regions. Such recognition of the complex
role of hydrological variability enhances the value of the concept for river
conservation, management and restoration.
Marine and Freshwater Research 49(1) 55 - 72 (1998) doi:10.1071/MF94161





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