Author(s): Justine I. Carey; Severin Hohensinner; Bernhard Zeiringer; Stefan Schmutz; Ianina Kopecki; Tobias Hagele; Hannah Schwedhelm; Jan De Keyser; Daniel S. Hayes
Linked Author(s): Tobias Haegele
Keywords: Hydro-morphology; Open source geodata; Freshwater ecology; Catchment management; Central Asi
Abstract: The assessment of river hydromorphology is a critical task for freshwater protection. However, data is scarce in many parts of the world, such as catchments in Kazakhstan. Utilizing open-source geodata poses a viable solution. To test this, we assessed the hydromorphology at nested scales. At the catchment scale, we analyzed land cover change, climate, and water abstraction networks. We identified anthropogenic disturbances at the segment scale by comparing hydromorphological parameters associated with pattern type with European alpine rivers. Parameters included discharge, sediment yield, and mean valley width. At the detailed scale, we explored habitat composition relative to large- and small-scale water abstractions. Our findings indicate that river patterns resemble those in the European Alps and disturbances include flow regulation, channelization, barriers, water abstraction, urban infrastructure, and gravel dredging. Gravel dredging was linked to artificial habitats; however, water abstraction did not significantly affect overall habitat composition.
Year: 2024