The transitory origins of rivers

• 成果类型: Editorial Material
• 署名作者: Harvey, Judson W.; Kampf, Stephanie K.
• 署名单位: United States Department of the Interior; United States Geological Survey; Colorado State University System; Colorado State University Fort Collins
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-13238
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adq1714
• 发表日期: 2024-06-28
• 页码: 1402-1403
• 关键词: non-perennial rivers; intermittent

摘要

A river's journey typically starts in temporary streams that flow sporadically when wet conditions prevail. During dry periods, streamflow slows and then stops as the waters recede below ground. When streamflow resumes over recently dry streambeds, it mobilizes and transports energy-rich materials and nutrients that stimulate aquatic ecosystem productivity downstream ( 1 ). Temporary streams are present in all climate zones ( 1 - 3 ), and most of the world's streams and rivers do not flow continuously ( 4 ). However, the quantity of flow that temporary streams deliver to larger rivers remains unknown. On page 1476 of this issue, Brinkerhoff et al. ( 5 ) report that ephemeral streams-the class of temporary streams that flow least often-collectively convey on average 55% of the flow to perennially flowing rivers in the conterminous United States. The analysis has implications for downstream water quality and water resources management in the United States and elsewhere.