Author(s): Jennifer Drake; Andrea Bradford
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Abstract: The relationship between groundwater inputs and stream temperatures is being investigated at stream, segment, geomorphic unit and micro-habitat scales in a creek in Southern Ontario. The purpose of the multi-levelled field approach was to develop a more holistic and complete understanding of heterogeneous groundwater-induced thermal regimes. Continuous point temperature measurements at various locations along the main channel were used to determine spatial stream temperature trends and identify areas of possible groundwater contributions. The velocity-area method was used to determine groundwater inputs during low flow conditions. Walking surveys investigating stream and streambed temperatures identified cool areas where groundwater discharge entered the stream. Sediment temperature mapping of a rifflepool and a plan bed geomorphic unit illustrated highly varied substrate temperature in the plan-view of the creek. The potential application of thermal imaging was also explored and thermal photos successfully illustrated a micro-habitat with lateral groundwater discharge at the stream surface. The preliminary results highlighted that complex thermal patterns can remain unobserved by large scale methods justifying the need for more integrated study approaches.
Year: 2009