Effects of Low Flow and Stream Drying on Macroinvertebrate Communities
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Niyogi, Dev
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Missouri S& T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
One concern with climate change for Missouri streams in the future is the possible loss of reliable flow, or increased stream drying. The two OURE students have examined biological communities along Mill Creek in Phelps County, Missouri. Mill Creek is a unique stream with a complex hydrology. There are several springs that feed the stream, which itself can lose water in some reaches because of the karst geology. Downstream from Wilkins Spring, the main spring in the watershed, the stream has a reliable flow. Certain upstream reaches have become intermittent or ephemeral given the drought in 2012. The main project goal of the students is to collect data on the biological communities along this stream, and determine the species composition and diversity of the biota. The data sets will prove useful for comparison of stream biota across a gradient of flow permanence. We have focused on collection and analysis of invertebrate communities thus far. There are large differences in the communities among the sites. The downstream, perennial reach has a typical Ozark stream community with many mayflies, caddisflies, and a high diversity of animal life. The upper reaches, with less reliable flow, have less diverse communities, with very different taxa. These upper reaches have some beetles, damselflies, and other taxa that are common to ponds and reservoirs, as opposed to streams.
Biography
Andrew is a senior in biological science with a minor in chemistry. He is a member of Helix, the Missouri S& T chapter for the American Society of Microbiology, as well as the Alpha Omega chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma. His interests include sports, outdoor activities, biology, and video games.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Effects of Low Flow and Stream Drying on Macroinvertebrate Communities
Upper Atrium/Hallway
One concern with climate change for Missouri streams in the future is the possible loss of reliable flow, or increased stream drying. The two OURE students have examined biological communities along Mill Creek in Phelps County, Missouri. Mill Creek is a unique stream with a complex hydrology. There are several springs that feed the stream, which itself can lose water in some reaches because of the karst geology. Downstream from Wilkins Spring, the main spring in the watershed, the stream has a reliable flow. Certain upstream reaches have become intermittent or ephemeral given the drought in 2012. The main project goal of the students is to collect data on the biological communities along this stream, and determine the species composition and diversity of the biota. The data sets will prove useful for comparison of stream biota across a gradient of flow permanence. We have focused on collection and analysis of invertebrate communities thus far. There are large differences in the communities among the sites. The downstream, perennial reach has a typical Ozark stream community with many mayflies, caddisflies, and a high diversity of animal life. The upper reaches, with less reliable flow, have less diverse communities, with very different taxa. These upper reaches have some beetles, damselflies, and other taxa that are common to ponds and reservoirs, as opposed to streams.
Comments
Joint project Kate Menke