Short Communication

The development of hydraulic and geomorphic complexity in recently formed streams in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

  1. Megan J. Klaar1,2,*,
  2. Ian Maddock2,
  3. Alexander M. Milner1,3

Article first published online: 4 FEB 2009

DOI: 10.1002/rra.1235

Issue

River Research and Applications

River Research and Applications

Volume 25, Issue 10, pages 1331–1338, December 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Klaar, M. J., Maddock, I. and Milner, A. M. (2009), The development of hydraulic and geomorphic complexity in recently formed streams in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. River Res. Applic., 25: 1331–1338. doi: 10.1002/rra.1235

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK

  2. 2

    Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK

  3. 3

    Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, 9977s, USA

*School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 12 NOV 2009
  2. Article first published online: 4 FEB 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 16 DEC 2008
  4. Manuscript Revised: 12 DEC 2008
  5. Manuscript Received: 9 JUL 2008

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Keywords:

  • geomorphology;
  • habitat heterogeneity;
  • hydraulic diversity;
  • stream age;
  • HydroSignature

Abstract

Geomorphic and hydraulic complexity within five streams representing 200 years of stream development were examined in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Channel geomorphic units (CGUs) were mapped using a hierarchical approach, which defined stream habitat according to morphological and hydraulic characteristics. Detailed hydraulic assessment within the geomorphic units allowed differences in hydraulic characteristics across the 200-year chronosequence to be documented. Channel geomorphology and hydrology changed as stream age increased. Younger streams were dominated by fast flowing geomorphic units such as rapids and riffles with little hydraulic or landscape diversity. As stream age increased, slower flowing habitat units such as glides and pools became more dominant, resulting in increased geomorphic, hydraulic and landscape diversity. These results suggest that geomorphic and hydraulic complexity develop over time, creating habitat features likely to be favoured by instream biota, enhancing biodiversity and abundance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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