Lecture Presentations

Week 3

History

River management has been a part of human culture for centuries. The history of river management is one of river modification. We are tied to the riverscape for many reasons including, drinking water, transport of goods (navigation), power production and vast fishery resources. Recent history includes innovative techniques (and science) for restoration and management of river systems.

Week 4

Theories in Riverine Ecology

Rivers intersect the terrestrial landscape and therefore we must consider the river, its valley and the interconnectedness of the features. Rivers can be classified, they exhibit longitudinal zonation and lateral connectivity (with floodplain and hyporheic), and they are characterized by nutrient spiraling and retention. In addition, rivers are affected by abiotic and biotic disturbances. Each of these sets a framework for considering ecology of rivers and their food webs. When antropogenic influences are imposed, rivers and their aquatic communities will respond and responses are not always predictable.

Week 5

Faunal Diversity

Aquatic faunas are diverse. In fact, we sit in one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems in the world; the Mobile River Basin.

Week 6

Watersheds

Watersheds allow us to put rivers in context with their terrestrial surroundings. In addition, they are an effective unit for management of riverine systems.

Week 7

Riverscapes

Landscape ecology allows for a framework to integrate lotic systems with upland areas. The principles include things like juxtoposition of habitats, disturbance regimes, and patch dynamics. It is critical to understand functional relations among fauna and riverscapes for management and conservation. Research slides.

Week 8

Habitat

Habitat provides a template for structure of lotic ecosystem structure and function.

Week 9

Hydrologic models

Mr. Bill Dykes presents a history and overview of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. Examples from the Tallapoosa River were used. PDF version.

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