The Role of Groundwater in the Impact of Climate Warming on Stream Salmonines

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Abstract
We review the factors that govern the temperature of groundwater and the influence of groundwater on salmonine ecology in an attempt to show the role groundwater will play in the impact of climate warming on stream salmonines. The mechanisms of energy transfer from the atmosphere through groundwater to stream water are complex. Groundwater temperatures are expected to follow projected increases in mean annual air temperature from climate warming, as modified by local microclimatic and topographic conditions for which some general quantitative relationships are given. At a particular site, increased groundwater temperatures will increase the temperatures in redds of salmonines and may depress oxygen concentrations, both of which affect survival and growth of developing eggs and larvae. At low altitudes and latitudes, optimal thermal habitats of salmonines will likely shrink in summer. The converse will likely occur in streams at high altitudes and high latitudes.

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