| ID |
2467 |
| Citation |
Petticrew E.L. and Albers S. (2010) Salmon as biogeomorphic agents: temporal and spatial effects on sediment quantity and quality in a northern British Columbia spawning channel. In: Sediment Dynamics for a Changing Future edited by Banasik K., Horowitz A.J., Owens P.N., Stone M. and Walling D.E., pp. 251–257: IAHS Publication 337, IAHS Press, Wallingford, U.K. |
| Organization |
University of Northern British Columbia |
| URL |
http://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/assets/quesnel_river_research_centre/petticrew_albers_iahs.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Pacific salmon have a large biogeomorphic impact on their natal streams. An opportunity to utilize a regulated salmon spawning channel in the summer of 2009 allowed a temporal and spatial evaluation of the biologic and geomorphic effects of salmon spawning on fine sediment infiltration into gravel bed streams. These salmon transfer biologically valuable marine-derived nutrients upstream to their natal habitats, while at the same time imparting energy to the streambed via their spawning activity, thereby modifying the geomorphic conditions. Fine sediment infiltration rates were used to monitor the physical activity of redd construction, and the biological effects of die-off on the gravel bed. Infiltration bags and piezometers were used to determine the mass of sediment deposited on and in the streambed, and the oxygen content of the gravel bed, respectively. Sedimentation increased during the period of active redd construction while the proportion of organic matter in the gravel-stored sediment increased following the instream decay of carcasses. Results suggest that the response seen over a small spatial scale may be the result of flocs forming in the water column and infiltrating into the streambed. A response to both changes in quantity and quality of sediment was observed as reductions in inter-gravel oxygen values. Further work on nutrient and sediment loads in both the water column and the gravel bed will allow a rigorous mass balance model. salmon; gravel bed; nutrients; fine sediment; storage; biogeomorphology; geomorphic agent; flocculation; marine-derived nutrients |
| Information Type |
Article |
| Regional Watershed |
Quesnel River |
| Sub-watershed if known |
Horsefly River |
| Aquifer # |
|
| Comments |
|
| Project status |
|
| Contact Name |
Ellen Petticrew |
| Contact Email |
[email protected] |
