Temperature studies on a river system in north‐east England

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Abstract
Summary: A comprehensive temperature survey of the River North Tyne and its major tributaries is described. The maximum summer temperature of the main river increased downstream, and then remained more or less constant in the middle and lower reaches, whereas the minimum continued to rise throughout the length of the river. This general pattern was unaltered by flow rate, except in regions of almost stationary water. Mean water temperatures were low in winter, rose to a peak in July, and then fell during the remainder of the year. Throughout the year, three significantly different mean daily temperature ranges were demonstrated. The rate of change of temperature also varied seasonally, being greatest during July. A study of the major tributaries revealed certain differences, and these are discussed, particularly in relation to the importance of width and shading on water temperature. In conclusion, suggestions have been made concerning the possible influence of Kielder Water on downstream river temperatures.