Call for more research on how aquatic life affects the structure and function of freshwater systems

Scientists at Stroud Water Research Center, studying how the biological composition of a stream affects its form and function, will present a special session, calling for more research on this topic, during the Society of Freshwater Sciences 2015 annual meeting. The session, Advancing Biophysical Research: Integrating Species Interactions into Ecohydrology and Ecogeomorphology, will be held at 10:30 a.m., May 18, 2015, in room 101 CD, Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis.

The geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology of rivers are shaped by a complicated suite of biophysical interactions that influence productivity, habitat formation and ecosystem function. This session will explore how interactions among species such as competition and predation affect physical processes and biological communities in aquatic and adjacent forest habitats.

"We hope to encourage more research related to the impacts of biodiversity loss, shifts in the presence or absence of common ecosystem engineers, such as beavers, introduction of invasive species, and food web dynamics on physical processes related to hydrology and geomorphology," said session organizer, Lindsey K. Albertson, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher at Stroud Center.

Additional topics needing further study include changes in community composition and assembly in the face of climate and land use change, added Melinda D. Daniels, Ph.D. head of the fluvial geomorphology section at Stroud Center. "We seek contributions related to this broad theme, as well as focused presentations on the use of field, laboratory, and modeling exercises to explore the impacts of species interactions on the flow, shape and function of aquatic habitats."

Daniel C. Allen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Arizona State University will also present the session.

Provided by Stroud Water Research Center