Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Changing Forests-Changing Streams: Riparian Forest Stand Development And Ecosystem Function In Temperate Headwaters, Dana R. Warren, William S. Keeton, Peter M. Kiffney, Matthew J. Kaylor, Heather A. Bechtold, John Magee

Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Faculty Publications

Light availability influences temperature, primary production, nutrient dynamics, and secondary production in aquatic ecosystems. In forested freshwater ecosystems, shading by streamside (riparian) vegetation is a dominant control on light flux and represents an important interaction at the aquatic-terrestrial interface. Changes in forest structure over time, particularly tree mortality processes that gradually increase light penetration through maturing forest canopies, are likely to influence stream light fluxes and associated ecosystem functions. We provide a set of conceptual models describing how stream light dynamics change with the development of complex canopy structure and how changes in light availability are likely to affect stream …