Nutrient dynamics at the interface between surface waters and groundwaters |
| |
Authors: | Clifford N Dahm Nancy B Grimm Pierre Marmonier H Maurice Valett Philippe Vervier |
| |
Institution: | Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, U.S.A.; Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1501, U.S.A.; Laboratoire d'Ecologie, ESA CNRS;n 5023, Universitéde Savoie, 73376 Le Bouget du lac, France Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0406, U.S.A.; Centre d'Ecologie des Systemes Aquatiques Continentaux, UMR C 5576 CNRS/UPS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, BP4349, 31055, Toulouse, France |
| |
Abstract: | 1. The surface water/groundwater (SW/GW) interface is a crucial control point for lateral nutrient fluxes between uplands and aquatic ecosystems and for upstream/downstream (longitudinal) processes in lotic ecosystems. 2. Hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics of the SW/GW ecotone are linked to the degree of channel constraint and the sediment characteristics of the floodplain and stream bed. 3. The availability of specific chemical forms of electron donors and electron acceptors affects the spatial distribution of biogeochemical processes at the SW/GW interface. Temporal change in discharge is also a major factor affecting the rate and extent of these processes. 4. The magnitude of SW/GW interactions in lotic ecosystems is predicted to be a major determinant of solute retention. Channel morphology, stream bed composition and discharge are predicted to be important controls on SW/GW interactions. 5. Interdisciplinary research involving hydrologists, geomorphologists, aquatic ecologists, microbial ecologists and landscape ecologists is needed to further our present understanding of this critical interface linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. |
| |
Keywords: | surface water groundwater interactions nutrient cycling biogeochemistry hydrogeology terminal electron accepting processes ecotone |
|
|