Geomorphic influences on large wood dam loadings, particulate organic matter and dissolved organic carbon in an old-growth northern hardwood watershed

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2003

Abstract

We quantified large wood loadings and seasonal concentrations of particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in three different geomorphic zones (each with unique hydrogeomorphic characteristics) of a pristine, old-growth northern hardwood watershed. The highest large wood dam loadings were in the high-gradient, bedrock controlled geomorphic type characterized by a cascading and step pool stream channel (19 dams km−1), while the lowest loadings were in the low-gradient, bedrock controlled geomorphic type (5 dams km−1). POM and DOC concentrations varied seasonally and were generally significantly correlated with discharge before and following leaf-off (mid to late September). The highest concentrations of POM were in the wetland dominated, low-gradient, bedrock controlled geomorphic type (3.74 mg L−1), while the highest DOC concentrations were in the high gradient, bedrock controlled geomorphic type following leaf-off (14.55 mg L−1). Our results suggest that organic matter dynamics vary both spatially and temporally in a watershed in response to changes in hydrogeomorphic conditions, and the processing of different types of organic matter may be intimately linked, resulting in the significant differences in how organic matter is processed and utilized in stream ecosystems flowing through forested watersheds. © 2003, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Title

Journal of Freshwater Ecology

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