Geochemistry of a spring-dense karst watershed located in a complex structural setting, Appalachian Great Valley, West Virginia, USA

Vesper, Dorothy J.; Grand, Rachel V.; Ward, Kristen M.; Donovan, Joseph J.

doi:10.1007/s00254-008-1541-4

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 8 publications

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“…Groundwater flow paths in this region exhibit combinations of conduit‐type and fracture‐type systems, with preferential flow paths following major faults (Evaldi et al, 2009; Kozar et al, 1991; McCoy & Kozar, 2008). Water chemistry of springs and streams in this region also indicates differences due to carbonate rock type (limestone and dolomite; Vesper & Herman, 2020), aquifer depth (Vesper et al, 2009), and groundwater flow path complexity (conduit‐ or fracture‐type; Shuster & White, 1971). Marl substrates occur in some streams within the study region (Hubbard et al, 1985) due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate as groundwater emerges into stream channels (Ford & Pedley, 1996).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 96%

Stabilising effects of karstic groundwater on stream fish communities

Hitt

Rogers

Kessler

et al. 2023

Ecology of Freshwater Fish

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Although groundwater exchange processes are known to modulate atmospheric influences on stream temperature and flow, the implications for ecological stability are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated temporal change in stream fish communities across a gradient of groundwater influence defined by karst terrain (carbonate parent materials) within the Potomac River basin of eastern North America. We surveyed 12 sites in 2022 that had been sampled 29–30 years previously with similar methods. We also collected stream temperature data from each site and used the regression slope of the air‐water temperature relationship to index stream thermal sensitivity and groundwater exchange processes. Sites in karst terrain exhibited strong groundwater controls on stream temperature, and fish communities were more stable over time in these locations than elsewhere. However, stream thermal sensitivity was a stronger predictor of species persistence than the spatial distribution of karst terrain in contributing areas, highlighting the ecological importance of local variation in groundwater discharge processes. The presence of calcium precipitates (marl) in stream substrates was associated with low thermal sensitivity and ecological stability over time, and we suggest such visible features may be a useful indicator of climate change refugia in stream ecosystems.

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