Coarse particulate organic matter dynamics in ephemeral tributaries of a Central Appalachian stream network

Ken M. Fritz, Gregory J. Pond, Brent R. Johnson, Chris D. Barton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Headwater ephemeral tributaries are interfaces between uplands and downstream waters. Terrestrial coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) is important in fueling aquatic ecosystems; however, the extent to which ephemeral tributaries are functionally connected to downstream waters through fluvial transport of CPOM has been little studied. Hydrology and deposition of leaf and wood, and surrogate transport (Ginkgo biloba leaves and wood dowels) were measured over month-long intervals through the winter and spring seasons (6 months) in 10 ephemeral tributaries (1.3–5.4 ha) in eastern Kentucky. Leaf deposition and surrogate transport varied over time, reflecting the seasonality of litterfall and runoff. Leaf deposition was higher in December than February and May but did not differ from January, March, and April. Mean percent of surrogate leaf transport from the ephemeral tributaries was highest in April (3.6% per day) and lowest in February (2.5%) and May (2%). Wood deposition and transport had similar patterns. No CPOM measures were related to flow frequency. Ephemeral tributaries were estimated to annually contribute 110.6 kg AFDM·km−1·yr−1 of leaves to the downstream mainstem. Ephemeral tributaries are functionally connected to downstream waters through CPOM storage and subsequent release that is timed when CPOM is often limited in downstream waters.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere02654
JournalEcosphere
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The Authors.

Keywords

  • connectivity
  • deposition
  • ephemeral tributary
  • lag function
  • leaf litter
  • seasonality
  • storage
  • transport
  • wood

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology

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