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Physical and Hydraulic Characterisation of Leaf Pack Formation

Author(s): Laura Rh. B. Trodden; Catherine A. M. E. Wilson; Steve J. Ormerod

Linked Author(s): Catherine A. M. E. Wilson

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: Leaf retention and formation of leaf packs within a stream ecosystem provides regions of nutrient input due to the decomposition of the leaves, and also provides niches for macroinvertebrates. A series of flume experiments examined the role of physical and hydraulic conditions on the retention of leaves within an idealised situation. A direct comparison between two physically-different bed substrates, sand (D50 = 0.93mm) and pebbles (D50 = 30mm), allowed the creation of different flow structures within the same global conditions of the flume. Leaf settlement locations were identified and the bed morphology and hydraulic conditions were characterised. A significant difference in leaf retention was seen between the bed substrates, with the pebbles leading to much higher retention rates. Leaf packs were seen to form in physical locations with stable hydraulic conditions, where protrusions were present.

DOI:

Year: 2009

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