Modeling the thermal impact of land use change in the Vermillion River trout stream watershed, MN

W. R. Herb, T. M. Possley Nelson, K. A. Chapman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thermal impacts on streams due to changes in land use can have dramatic effects on aquatic life, especially on cold-water species like trout. Summer thunderstorms coupled with mid-summer low flow conditions and urbanization can raise temperatures and the risk of cold-water fish and macroinvertebrate mortality. A series of spatial models was developed in the Vermillion River trout stream watershed to understand the impacts of land use change on runoff and stream temperature. Simulated full development in upstream subwatersheds increased stream temperature slightly several miles downstream, but increased it 3.8°C in small tributaries. Downstream mitigation of thermal impacts was found to be ineffective, because much of the upstream thermal impact was already lost by atmospheric heat transfer and dilution by the time the flow entered the downstream reaches. In conclusion, thermal mitigation in the Vermillion trout stream watershed should take place near the impact source, and shading should be employed as a general trout stream management strategy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWatershed Management Conference 2010
Subtitle of host publicationInnovations in Watershed Management under Land Use and Climate Change - Proceedings of the 2010 Watershed Management Conference
Pages1328-1339
Number of pages12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2010
EventWatershed Management Conference 2010: Innovations in Watershed Management under Land Use and Climate Change - Madison, WI, United States
Duration: Aug 23 2010Aug 27 2010

Publication series

NameWatershed Management Conference 2010: Innovations in Watershed Management under Land Use and Climate Change - Proceedings of the 2010 Watershed Management Conference
Volume394

Other

OtherWatershed Management Conference 2010: Innovations in Watershed Management under Land Use and Climate Change
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMadison, WI
Period8/23/108/27/10

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