Small artificial impoundments have big implications for hydrology and freshwater biodiversity

Headwater streams are critical for freshwater ecosystems. Global and continental studies consistently show major dams as dominant sources of hydrological stress threatening biodiversity in the world’s major rivers, but cumulative impacts from small artificial impoundments (SAIs) concentrated in head...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in ecology and the environment 2022-04, Vol.20 (3), p.141-146
Main Authors: Morden, Robert, Horne, Avril, Bond, Nick R, Nathan, Rory, Olden, Julian D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic ecosystems
Biodiversity
Biota
Catchment areas
Creeks & streams
Dams
Freshwater ecosystems
Hydrology
RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
River basins
Rivers
Streams
Sustainability management
Water management
Waterways
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Headwater streams are critical for freshwater ecosystems. Global and continental studies consistently show major dams as dominant sources of hydrological stress threatening biodiversity in the world’s major rivers, but cumulative impacts from small artificial impoundments (SAIs) concentrated in headwater streams have rarely been acknowledged. Using the Murray Darling River basin (Australia) and the Arkansas River basin (US) as case studies, we examined the hydrological impacts of SAIs. The extent of their influence is considerable, altering hydrology in 280–380% more waterways as compared to major dams. Hydrological impacts are concentrated in smaller streams (catchment area
ISSN:1540-9295
1540-9309
DOI:10.1002/fee.2454