USGS Science⌕ Search
Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70027404

Urbanization effects on stream habitat characteristics in Boston, Massachusetts; Birmingham, Alabama; and Salt Lake City, Utah

T.M. Short·E.M.P. Giddings·H. Zappia·J.F. Coles
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Relations between stream habitat and urban land-use intensity were examined in 90 stream reaches located in or near the metropolitan areas of Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC); Birmingham, Alabama (BIR); and Boston, Massachusetts (BOS). Urban intensity was based on a multi-metric index (urban intensity index or UII) that included measures of land cover, socioeconomic organization, and urban infrastructure. Twenty-eight physical variables describing channel morphology, hydraulic properties, and streambed conditions were examined. None of the habitat variables was significantly correlated with urbanization intensity in all three study areas. Urbanization effects on stream habitat were less apparent for streams in SLC and BIR, owing to the strong influence of basin slope (SLC) and drought conditions (BIR) on local flow regimes. Streamflow in the BOS study area was not unduly influenced by similar conditions of climate and physiography, and habitat conditions in these streams were more responsive to urbanization. Urbanization in BOS contributed to higher discharge, channel deepening, and increased loading of fine-grained particles to stream channels. The modifying influence of basin slope and climate on hydrology of streams in SLC and BIR limited our ability to effectively compare habitat responses among different urban settings and identify common responses that might be of interest to restoration or water management programs. Successful application of land-use models such as the UII to compare urbanization effects on stream habitat in different environmental settings must account for inherent differences in natural and anthropogenic factors affecting stream hydrology and geomorphology. The challenge to future management of urban development is to further quantify these differences by building upon existing models, and ultimately develop a broader understanding of urbanization effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Explore related subjects

American Fisheries Society SymposiumBook chapter

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

T.M. Short, E.M.P. Giddings, H. Zappia, J.F. Coles. 2005. Urbanization effects on stream habitat characteristics in Boston, Massachusetts; Birmingham, Alabama; and Salt Lake City, Utah. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70027404

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2019

Changes in body condition and diet of lotic Smallmouth Bass across two flow regimes during summer months at the southern extent of their native range

The Ozark Plateau is located at the southern extent of native Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu range and water temperature and drought conditions during summer months may potentially affect growth of Smallmouth Bass in this region. Groundwater streams in the region do not warm to the same extent as runoff streams during summer months and could provide a thermal refuge habitat for Smallmouth Bass from high summer temperatures and drought conditions. Our study objective was to examine differences in body condition and diet of Small-mouth Bass through summer months between groundwater and runoff streams. We sampled Smallmouth Bass from eight streams across two the flow regimes monthly from June-September from 2014 to 2016 in the Ozark Plateau of Arkansas and Missouri. Relative weights were calculated and diet contents were examined for each fish. Linear mixed model analyses indicated that relative weights declined in both stream types in 2014 and 2015, but not in 2016. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in change in relative weights between runoff and groundwater streams in any year. No diet shifts over the course of the summer were noted in any year, and no differences were seen between stream types. Our results suggest that further work should investigate the refuge qualities of groundwater streams for Smallmouth Bass in this region as Smallmouth Bass from both stream types may currently respond similarly to summer conditions.. Middaugh, Chris & Magoulick, Daniel. (2019). Changes in Body Condition and Diet of Lotic Smallmouth Bass across Two Flow Regimes during Summer Months at the Southern Extent of Their Native Range. The Ozark Plateau is located at the southern extent of native Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu range and water temperature and drought conditions during summer months may potentially affect growth of Smallmouth Bass in this region. Groundwater streams in the region do not warm to the same extent as runoff streams during summer months and could provide a thermal refuge habitat for Smallmouth Bass from high summer temperatures and drought conditions. Our study objective was to examine differences in body condition and diet of Small-mouth Bass through summer months between groundwater and runoff streams. We sampled Smallmouth Bass from eight streams across two the flow regimes monthly from June-September from 2014 to 2016 in the Ozark Plateau of Arkansas and Missouri. Relative weights were calculated and diet contents were examined for each fish. Linear mixed model analyses indicated that relative weights declined in both stream types in 2014 and 2015, but not in 2016. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in change in relative weights between runoff and groundwater streams in any year. No diet shifts over the course of the summer were noted in any year, and no differences were seen between stream types. Our results suggest that further work should investigate the refuge qualities of groundwater streams for Smallmouth Bass in this region as Smallmouth Bass from both stream types may currently respond similarly to summer conditions.

Arkansas, Missouri↗