Classification of Ephemeral, Intermittent, and Perennial Stream Reaches Using aTOPMODEL‐Based Approach

Abstract

Whether a waterway is temporary or permanent influences regulatory protection guidelines, however, classification can be subjective due to a combination of factors, including time of year, antecedent moisture conditions, and previous experience of the field investigator. Our objective was to develop a standardized protocol using publically available spatial information to classify ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams. Our hypothesis was that field observations of flow along the stream channel could be compared to results from a hydrologic model, providing an objective method of how these stream reaches can be identified. Flow‐state sensors were placed at ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial stream reaches from May to December 2011 in the Appalachian coal basin of eastern Kentucky. This observed flow record was then used to calibrate the simulated saturation deficit in each channel reach based on the topographic wetness index used by TOPMODEL. Saturation deficit values were categorized as flow or no‐flow days, and the simulated record of streamflow was compared to the observed record. The hydrologic model was more accurate for simulating flow during the spring and fall seasons. However, the model effectively identified stream reaches as intermittent and perennial in each of the two basins.

Macroinvertebrate and organic matter export from headwater tributaries of a Central Appalachian stream

“…Our estimates of invertebrate biomass and drift density were roughly similar to other non-storm studies of forested, headwater Appalachian streams (O'Hop & Wallace, 1983;Romaniszyn et al, 2007). Although not studied here, we expect that drift in summer or fall is far less than spring drift (O'Hop & Wallace, 1983) in our streams mainly because of reduced overall daily discharge (Williamson et al, 2015) and occurrence of interstitial flow and non-flowing conditions (personal observation) along many of the headwater tributaries in the catchment. However, summer storm events that increase stream discharge could certainly provide punctuated exports of organisms and organic material to downstream habitats (O'Hop & Wallace, 1983;Corti & Datry, 2012).…”

Measuring function and structure of urban headwater streams with citizen scientists

“…Cumulatively, this headwater loss likely reduces ecosystem services like decomposition and results in substantial changes to downstream ecosystems-by reducing connectivity that allows species to move between headwater and downstream reaches, by removing sustained supplies of nutrients such as organic matter, and by altering whole-network flow dynamics (Gomi et al 2002, Freeman et al 2007, Meyer et al 2007, Wipfli et al 2007). Understanding individual headwater structural and functional variability could provide valuable insight into these cumulative effects, yet considering that headwater streams can represent 70-80% of the total stream length in unimpaired stream networks, monitoring their presence (i.e., in the case of ephemeral streams; Russell et al 2015, Williamson et al 2015 and properties requires considerable effort.…”

Coarse particulate organic matter dynamics in ephemeral tributaries of a Central Appalachian stream network

“…); however, Williamson et al. () measured water to be present for long periods between May and December in places along two other headwater tributary reaches expected to be ephemeral. Regardless, we expect that ephemeral tributaries are most commonly to have surface flows of sufficient magnitude to transport organic matter to the downstream network in the spring months.…”

“…The dissected landscape of the Clemons Fork catchment has an extensive network of stream channels in which the presence of surface flow greatly expands and contracts . Ephemeral tributaries represent 54-57% of the channel length within the Clemons Fork network (Fritz et al 2013, Villines et al 2015. Previous research in nearby ephemeral tributaries of Clemons Fork documented surface flow occurring primarily between mid-November and mid-May with only one or two events between mid-May and mid-November ; however, Williamson et al (2015) measured water to be present for long periods between May and December in places along two other headwater tributary reaches expected to be ephemeral.…”

“…), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and beech (Fagus grandifolia) among the dominant overstory species (Phillippi andBoebinger 1986, Reece andKrupa 2013). The physiography, chemistry, and biology of the Clemons Fork catchment are used as a state reference condition and have been shown to be similar to other forested catchments in the region (Carpenter and Rumsey 1976, Coltharp and Albright 1987, Ormsbee and Khan 1989 The relatively shallow soils, steep slopes, and lateral subsurface and macropore flow in Clemons Fork catchment produce rapid recharge and flashy hydrologic response to precipitation (Coltharp and Springer 1980, Ormsbee and Khan 1989, Williamson et al 2015. Coltharp and Springer (1980) estimated that stormflow represented 44% of the annual discharge from a Clemons Fork tributary.…”