Rivers in cold ecoregions

– Case studies –

Hundreds, if not thousands, of recently published papers are dealing with the impact of Climate Change on freshwater ecosystems.

Here you find summaries of a few hundred papers, which we consider as most relevant.

Small

Abiotic indicators

Acidification (oxidation, release wetlands) / Aherne, J., T. Larssen, P.J. Dillon & B.J ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Acidification (oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Aherne, J., T. Larssen, P.J. Dillon & B.J. Cosby (2004): Effects of climate events on environmental fluxes from forested catchments in Ontario, Canada: Modelling drought-induced redox processes. Water, Air and Soil Pollution: Focus 4: 37-48.

Description

Model reproduced successfully observed trends in sulphate retention. Including wetlands. Variation in precipitation. Drought periods: Oxidation of stored sulphur in wetlands, subsequent efflux into streams/lakes. (Generation of wetland compartment with incorporated redox processes included in MAGIC model.)

Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands) / Clair, T.A. & J.M. Ehrman (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Clair, T.A. & J.M. Ehrman (1996): Variations in discharge and dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen export from terrestrial basins with changes in climate: a neural network approach. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 921-927.

Description

DON: decrease of up to 33,4% to increase of up to 34,9% in runoff depending on scenario. DOC: decrease of up to 34.3% to increase of up to 42.3% in runoff depending on scenario.

Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands) / Mitchell, M.J., C.T. Driscoll, J.S. Kahl, G.E ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Mitchell, M.J., C.T. Driscoll, J.S. Kahl, G.E. Likens, P.S. Murdoch & L.H. Pardo (1996): Climatic control of nitrate loss from forested watersheds in the northeast United States. Environmental Science and Technology 30: 2609-2612.

Description

Anomalously cold winters. High nitrate concentrations and high drainage water losses during snowmelt (thereafter decreasing again).

Early warning indicators

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Saelthun, N.R., S. Bergström, K. Einarss ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Saelthun, N.R., S. Bergström, K. Einarsson, T. Jóhannesson, G. Lindström, T. Thomsen & B. Vehviläinen (1999): Potential impacts of climate change on floods in nordic hydrological regimes. In Balabanis, P., Bronstert, A., Casale, R. & P. Samuels (Eds.), RIBAMOD- River basin modelling, management and flood mitigation - Concerted Action. The impacts of climate change on flooding and sustainable river management. Proceedings of the final workshop: 103-116, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg

Description

Reduction in the spring flood (less snow accumulation). Increase of autumn/winter floods (extended flooding season and increased precipitation). Change in extreme floods depending on relative importance of spring and autumn flood. General tendency to increased floods in western and southern areas of Norway in highly glaciated catchments. Reduced or insignificantly changed floods in other parts of the region; several exceptions depending on characteristics of catchments.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Clair, T.A. & J.M. Ehrman (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Description

DON: decrease of up to 33,4% to increase of up to 34,9% in runoff depending on scenario. DOC: decrease of up to 34.3% to increase of up to 42.3% in runoff depending on scenario.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Band, L.E., D.S. Mackay, I.F. Creed, R. Semki ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Band, L.E., D.S. Mackay, I.F. Creed, R. Semkin & D. Jeffries (1996): Ecosystem processes at the watershed scale: Sensitivity to potential climate change. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 928-938.

Description

Temperature: Increased (3 - 4 & deg;C). Evaporation increased during growing season. Precipitation extremes: 10% shift from summer to winter. Earlier rise and fall in runoff due to earlier snowmelt. Lower in summer due to soil water depletion in consequence of earlier snowmelt.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, seasonality changed / Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, seasonality changed

Reference

Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. Spreafico (1994): Effects of climate change on snow accumulation and melting in the Broye catchment (Switzerland). Climatic Change 28: 339-363.

Description

Reduction in snow cover duration. Floods due to snow melting lower. Additional floods caused by rainfall in winter season. Lower part of catchment most sensitive, higher parts also effected in case of larger climate changes.

Hydrology: seasonality changed / Mitchell, M.J., C.T. Driscoll, J.S. Kahl, G.E ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: seasonality changed

Reference

Description

Anomalously cold winters. High nitrate concentrations and high drainage water losses during snowmelt (thereafter decreasing again).

Primary production

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. Fausch, S.W. Hostetler, G.H. Leavesley, P.R. Leavitt, D.M. Macknight & J.A. Stanford (1997): Assessment of climate change and freshwater ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains, USA and Canada. Hydrological Processes 11: 903-924.

Description

Changed runoff dynamics. Changes in stream temperature regime. Changed riparian vegetation. Changed benthic community composition. Changed riparian vegetation. Stenothermic species could be extirpated. Cold water stream fish may be isolated in increasingly confined headwaters.

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & L.B.M. Vought (1999): Effects of leaf-litter accumulation on riparian plant diversity across Europe. Ecology 80(5): 1770-1775.

Description

Plant biomass decreased with increasing litter mass but did not vary with site-dependent variables such as climate and soil. Species density for various plant life traits varied with litter mass, summer temperature, and summer precipitation. Litter mass was the most important variable for all life traits except rhizomatous and stoloniferous species, which were most dependent upon summer precipitation. These findings are useful for the prediction of responses in riparian vegetation following future climatic changes.

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Macrophytes, dragonflies, stoneflies, aquatic beetles and fishes: Species richness in most groups decreased with increasing latitude and altitude, and a considerable part of the variation was explained by mean July temperature. Stoneflies showed a reversed pattern, with species richness correlating positively, albeit more weakly, with mean provincial altitude. Such temperature-controlled patterns suggest that regional freshwater biodiversity will strongly respond to climate change, with repercussions for local community organization in freshwater ecosystems in Fennoscandia.

Neophytes / Truscott, A.M., S.C.F. Palmer, C. Soulsby &am ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Neophytes

Reference

Truscott, A.M., S.C.F. Palmer, C. Soulsby & P.E. Hulme (2006): The dispersal characteristics of the invasive plant Mimulus guttatus and the ecological significance of increased occurrence of high-flow events. Journal of Ecology 94(6): 1080-1091.

Description

Mimulus guttatus: The dual strategy of dispersal by vegetative fragments and seeds, together with the opportunity of dispersing the two types of propagules during different periods of the year, facilitates local dominance by M. guttatus as well as long-distance colonization. As a result, the rate of spread of M. guttatus into inundation communities along rivers is likely to increase with more frequent high-flow events, especially if these coincide with the growing season. Thus, predicting the response of riparian invasive species to environmental change requires not only an understanding of the role of climate in plant demography but also the impact of changes in hydrology on rates of spread.

Secondary production - fish

Assemblage structure / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Assemblage structure / Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): Functional-organization of stream fish assemblages in relation to hydrological variability. Ecology 76(2): 606-627.

Description

The strong hydrological-assemblage relations found in the 34 midwestern sites suggest that hydrological factors are significant environmental variables influencing fish assemblage structure, and that hydrological alterations induced by climate change (or other anthropogenic disturbances) could modify stream fish assemblage structure in this region.

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Description

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Schindler, D.W. (2001): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Schindler, D.W. (2001): The cumulative effects of climate warming and other human stresses on Canadian freshwaters in the new millennium. Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58: 18-29.

Description

Changing flows due to changing temperatures and precipitation. Changing aquatic community, life cycles. Warming trend: Habitats for cold-stenotherms decline.

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change / Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): Effects of climate warming on fish habitat in streams of the United States. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 1109-1115.

Description

Water temperature increase: Habitats for cold and cool water fish reduced by approx. 50%. Examples: Oncorhynchus mykiss, Catastomus commersoni.

Distribution range, habitat change / Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & J.F. Kitchell (1992): Global change and freshwater ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23: 119-139.

Description

Water temperature increase. Higher variability in runoff. Channel widening by high magnitude floods, debris torrents with effect on habitats, aquatic species in general. Examples: Trout, charr, salmon: altered stream habitat, changed geographical distribution due to changed thermal limits.

Distribution range, habitat change / Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Bu ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Burkhardt-Holm & H. Güttinger (2006): Consequences of climatic change for water temperature and brown trout populations in Alpine rivers and streams. Global Change Biology 12(1): 10-26.

Description

For brown trout populations, the warming resulted in an upward shift in thermal habitat that was accelerated by an increase in the incidence of temperature-dependent Proliferative Kidney Disease at the habitat's lower boundary. Because physical barriers restrict longitudinal migration in mountain regions, an upward habitat shift in effect implies habitat reduction, suggesting the likelihood of an overall population decrease. Extensive brown trout catch data documenting an altitudinally dependent decline indicate that such a climate-related population decrease has in fact occurred. Our analysis employs a quantitatively defined reference optimum temperature range for brown trout, based on the sinusoidal regression of seasonally varying field data.

Distribution range, habitat change, life-history: migration timing, spawning, emergence timing / Huntington, T.G., G.A. Hodgkins & R. Dudl ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change, life-history: migration timing, spawning, emergence timing

Reference

Huntington, T.G., G.A. Hodgkins & R. Dudley (2003): Historical Trend in River Ice Thickness and Coherence in Hydroclimatological Trends in Maine. Climatic Change 61: 217-236.

Description

Water temperature increased over the period 1966 through 2001. Earlier snowmelt, return of the adult salmon and alewives advanced over the period 1986 to 2001, also effected the timing of migration, spawning.

Distribution range, habitat change, productivity, density, species richness, survival / Ries, R.D. & S.A. Perry (1995): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change, productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Ries, R.D. & S.A. Perry (1995): Potential effects of global climate warming on brook trout growth and prey consumption in central Appalachian streams, USA. Climate Research 5(3): 197-206.

Description

Brook trout populations could either benefit from increased growth rates in spring and fall, or suffer from shrinking habitat and reduced growth rates in summer, depending on the magnitude of temperature change and on food availability. A stream temperature increase of 2 °C or less could very likely increase brook trout growth, but the effect of larger temperature increases is less predictable due to greater dependence on higher prey production. A 15 to 20% increase in food consumption would be required to maintain present rates of growth with an increase of 2 °C, and 30 to 40% more food would be required with an increase of 4°C.

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct

Reference

Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A.P. Covich, C. Dahm, J. Gibert, W. Goedkoop, K. Martens & J. Verhoeven (2000): Global Change and the Biodiversity of Freshwater Ecosystems: Impacts on Linkages between Above-Sediment and Sediment Biota. BioScience 50(12): 1099-1106.

Description

Change in water temperature, flow regime, increasing sedimentation, change in water body morphology. Extinction of native species, habitat availability reduced, decreased diversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera). Change of invertebrate communities to anoxiatolerant species.

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease / Xenopoulos, M.A., D.M. Lodge, J. Alcamo, M. M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease

Reference

Xenopoulos, M.A., D.M. Lodge, J. Alcamo, M. Märker, K. Schulze & D.P. Van Vuuren (2005): Scenarios of freshwater fish extinctions from climate change and water withdrawal. Global Change Biology 11(10): 1557-1564.

Description

Modelled river discharge (HadCM3): Fish richness loss, anthropogenic influences: channelization, industrial pollution, water withdrawals, increase in discharge 65-70% in both scenarios, regionally variable. Species change, fish stress factor increase, fish infections increase, fish extinction, invasive species, toxic algal blooms increase.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease, distribution range, habitat change / Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Bu ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease, distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Burkhardt-Holm & H. Güttinger (2005): Consequences of climate change for water temperature and brown trout populations in Alpine river and streams. Global Change Biology 11: 1-17

Description

Water temperature increase: brown trout upward migration, incidence of Proliferative Kidney Disease increased, populations decrease (catch declined by 66,4%).

Secondary production - invertebrates

Community change: anoxiatolerant species / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: anoxiatolerant species

Reference

Description

Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Hawkins, C.P., J.N. Hogue, L.M. Decker & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Hawkins, C.P., J.N. Hogue, L.M. Decker & J.W. Feminella (1997): Channel morphology, water temperature, and assemblage structure of stream insects. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 16(4): 728-749.

Description

Variation in assemblage structure among streams was significantly related to temperature. Temperature probably influenced assemblage structure in two ways: 1) by influencing developmental rates of individual taxa and overall assemblage phenology, thus affecting the relative abundances of taxa found on a specific sampling date, and 2) by excluding taxa unable to tolerate certain temperature ranges. (Strong dependency of assemblage structure on temperature and the lack of strong geographic trends in temperature among these streams, much of the measured variation in assemblage structure appeared to be unrelated to latitude or elevation.)

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Community: production, density, biomass, distribution, life history characteristics change / Hogg, I.D. & D.D. Williams (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community: production, density, biomass, distribution, life history characteristics change

Reference

Hogg, I.D. & D.D. Williams (1996): Response of stream invertebrates to a global-warming thermal regime: an ecosystem-level manipulation. Ecology 77(2), 395-407.

Description

Temperature water increased. Earlier onset of adult insect emergence; precocious breeding (Hyalella azteca), smaller size at maturity (Nemoura trispinosa and H. azteca). Altered sex ratios (Lepidostoma vernale). Decreased total animal densities, particularly Chironomidae. Increased growth rates (Hyalella azteca).

Life history characteristics change / Baron, J.S. (1997): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Baron, J.S. (1997): Effects of climate change on in-stream biology and freshwater ecosystems. Briefing document for Great Plains climate change workshop 5/97

Description

Water temperature increased i.e. caddiesflies growth rates change, shortened life cycles. Habitat loss, population fragmentation.

Life history characteristics change / Harper, M.P. & B.L. Peckarsky (2006): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Harper, M.P. & B.L. Peckarsky (2006): Emergence cues of a mayfly in a high-altitude stream ecosystem: Potential response to climate change. Ecological Applications 16(2): 612-621.

Description

Mayflies (Baetis bicaudatus) emerged sooner in a warmed-water treatment than an ambient-water treatment; but reducing flow did not accelerate the onset of mayfly emergence. Nonetheless, using warming temperatures to cue metamorphosis enables mayflies to time their emergence during the descending limb of the hydrograph when oviposition sites (protruding rocks) are becoming available. We speculate that large-scale climate changes involving warming and stream drying could cause significant shifts in the timing of mayfly metamorphosis, thereby having negative effects on populations that play an important role in stream ecosystems.

Life history characteristics change / Briers, R.A., Gee, J.H.R. & R. Geoghegan ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Briers, R.A., Gee, J.H.R. & R. Geoghegan (2004): Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation on growth and phenology of stream insects. Ecography 27: 811-817.

Description

long-term empirical data on the sizes of mayfly and stonefly nymphs and on water temperature data. Models of egg development and nymphal growth in relation to temperature were used to predict the effect of the NAO on phenology. The observed mean size and the simulated developmental period of mayfly nymphs were significantly related to the winter NAO index, with nymphs growing faster in positive phases of the NAO (warmer stream t), but the growth of stonefly nymphs was not related to the NAO. This may have been due to the semivoltine stonefly lifecycle, but stonefly nymph growth is also generally less dependent on temperature. There were significant differences in growth rates of both species between streams, with nymphs growing more slowly in the forested stream that was consistently cooler than the open stream. Predicted emergence dates for adult mayflies varied by nearly two months between years, depending on the phase of the NAO. Variation in growth and phenology of stream insects associated with the NAO may influence temporal fluctuations in the composition and dynamics of stream communities.

Susceptibility ecosystem

Catchment size, other characteristics / Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Catchment size, other characteristics

Reference

Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. Spreafico (1994): Effects of climate change on snow accumulation and melting in the Broye catchment (Switzerland). Climatic Change 28: 339-363.

Description

Geography / Saelthun, N.R., S. Bergström, K. Einarss ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	small
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Geography

Reference

Description

Rivers in general

Abiotic incidators

Carbon cycling change (DOC release/retention) / Futter, M.N., de Wit, H.A. (2007): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	Carbon cycling change (DOC release/retention)

Reference

Futter, M.N., de Wit, H.A. (2007): What controls dissolved organic carbon concentrations in streams: a comparison of modelling approaches. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions 4: 3175?3207.

Description

Dissolved organic carbon concentrations ([DOC]) in surface waters are increasing in many regions of Europe and North America. These increases are likely driven by a combination of changing climate, recovery from acidification and change in severity of winter storms in coastal areas. INCA-C, a process-based model of climate effects on surface water [DOC], was used to explore the mechanisms by which changing climate controls seasonal to inter-annual patterns of [DOC] in the lake and outflow stream of a small Finnish catchment between 1990 and 2003. Both production in the catchment and mineralization in the lake controlled [DOC] in the lake. Concentrations in the catchment outflow were controlled by rates of DOC production in the surrounding organic soils. The INCA-C simulation results were compared to those obtained using artificial neural networks (ANN). In general, black box ANN models provide better fits to observed data but process-based models can identify the mechanism responsible for the observed pattern. A statistically significant increase was observed in both INCA-C modelled and measured annual average [DOC] in the lake. This suggests that some of the observed increase in surface water [DOC] is caused by climate-related processes operating in the lake and catchment. However, a full understanding of surface water [DOC] dynamics can only come from catchment-scale process-based models linking the effects of changing climate and deposition on aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Model: DOC (release/retention) / Futter, M.N., Starr, M., Forsius, M., Holmber ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	Model: DOC (release/retention)

Reference

Futter, M.N., Starr, M., Forsius, M., Holmberg, M. (2008): Modelling the effects of climate on long-term patterns of dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the surface waters of a boreal catchment. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Special Issue (Eurolimpacs) 12: 437-447.

Description

Dissolved organic carbon concentrations ([DOC]) in surface waters are increasing in many regions of Europe and North America. These increases are likely driven by a combination of changing climate, recovery from acidification and change in severity of winter storms in coastal areas. INCA-C, a process-based model of climate effects on surface water [DOC], was used to explore the mechanisms by which changing climate controls seasonal to inter-annual patterns of [DOC] in the lake and outflow stream of a small Finnish catchment between 1990 and 2003. Both production in the catchment and mineralization in the lake controlled [DOC] in the lake. Concentrations in the catchment outflow were controlled by rates of DOC production in the surrounding organic soils. The INCA-C simulation results were compared to those obtained using artificial neural networks (ANN). In general, ?black box? ANN models provide better fits to observed data but process-based models can identify the mechanism responsible for the observed pattern. A statistically significant increase was observed in both INCA-C modelled and measured annual average [DOC] in the lake. This suggests that some of the observed increase in surface water [DOC] is caused by climate-related processes operating in the lake and catchment. However, a full understanding of surface water [DOC] dynamics can only come from catchment-scale process-based models linking the effects of changing climate and deposition on aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Model: N-flux / Wright, R.F., Kaste, Ø., de Wit, H.A., ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	Model: N-flux

Reference

Wright, R.F., Kaste, Ø., de Wit, H.A., Tjomsland, T., Bloemerts, M., Molvær, J., Selvik, J. (2008): Effect of Climate Change on Fluxes of Nitrogen from the Tovdal River Basin, Norway, to Adjoining Marine Areas. Ambio 37(1): 64-71.

Description

The mass transport model TEOTIL was used to project nitrate (NO &sub3;) fluxes from the Tovdal River basin, southernmost Norway, given four scenarios of climate change. Forests, uplands, and open water currently account for 90% of the NO &sub3; flux. Climate scenarios for 2071-2100 suggest increased temperature by 2-4°C and precipitation by 3-11%. Climate experiments and long-term monitoring were used to estimate future rates of nitrogen (N) leaching. More water will run through the terrestrial catchments during the winter but less will run in the spring. The annual NO₃ flux from the Tovdal River to the adjoining Topdalsfjord is projected to remain unchanged, but with more NO₃ delivered in the winter and less in the spring. Algal blooms in coastal waters can be expected to occur earlier in the year. Major sources of uncertainty are in the long-term fate of N stored in soil organic matter and the impacts of forest management.

N-/C-flux / Austnes, K., Kaste, Ø., Vestgarden, L. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	N-/C-flux

Reference

Austnes, K., Kaste, Ø., Vestgarden, L. S., Mulder, J.(2008): Manipulation of snow in small headwater catchments at Storgama, Norway: Effects on leaching of total organic carbon and total organic nitrogen. Ambio 37(1): 38-47.

Description

Projected increases in winter temperature due to future climate change may cause decreased snow accumulation at lower and intermediate altitudes in northern temperate regions. The resulting changes in soil temperature and water regime may affect the leaching of total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic nitrogen (TON). We manipulated the snow cover of small headwater catchments in a montane heathland area of southern Norway to quantify its effect on concentrations and fluxes of TOC and TON in runoff. Manipulations included snow removal, to promote soil frost, and insulation, to prevent soil frost. Snow removal resulted in increased TOC and TON concentrations, but decreased fluxes. Insulation caused a slight decrease in concentrations and fluxes of TOC. Our experiments show that a change in snow depth, and thus soil temperature, is not likely to have serious effects on TOC and TON leaching in the montane heathland area studied.

N-/C-flux / Haaland, S., Austnes, K., Kaste, Ø., M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	N-/C-flux

Reference

Haaland, S., Austnes, K., Kaste, Ø., Mulder, J., Riise, G., Vestgarden, L. S., Stuanes, A. O. (2008): Manipulation of precipitation in small headwater catchments at Storgama, Norway: Effects on leaching of organic carbon and nitrogen species. Ambio 37(1): 48-55.

Description

Projected changes in climate in Southern Norway include increases in summer and autumn precipitation. This may affect leaching of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from soils. Effects of experimentally added extra precipitation (10 mm week−1) during the growing season of 3 years (2004-2006) to small headwater catchments at Storgama (59°0′N, 550-600 m a.s.l.) on leaching of total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic nitrogen (TON) were assessed. Extra precipitation did not have a significant effect on average TOC and TON concentrations in runoff. Thus, fluxes of TOC and TON increased nearly proportionally with water fluxes. This suggests that a store of adsorbed and potentially mobile TOC and TON in catchment soils buffers the concentration of DOM in runoff. The size and dynamics of the pool of TOC and TON depends on the balance between production and leaching rates. Infrequent short droughts had only small effects on TOC and TON fluxes in runoff from the reference catchments.

N-flux / Kaste, Ø., Austnes, K., Vestgarden, L. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	N-flux

Reference

Kaste, Ø., Austnes, K., Vestgarden, L.S., Wright, R.F. (2008): Manipulation of Snow in Small Headwater Catchments at Storgama, Norway: Effects on Leaching of Inorganic Nitrogen. Ambio 37(1): 29-37.

Description

We have manipulated the winter-time soil temperature regime of small headwater catchments in a montane heathland area of southern Norway to study the possible effects on concentrations and fluxes of inorganic nitrogen in runoff. The experiments included extra insulation of soils in two catchments to prevent subzero temperatures during winter, and removal of snow in two other catchments to promote soil frost. Increased soil temperatures during winter increased the springtime concentrations and fluxes of ammonium (NH₄) and nitrate (NO₃) in runoff. By contrast, snow removal with development of significant soil frost showed no systematic effects on mean concentrations or fluxes of inorganic N. The results from our experiments suggest that warmer soils during winter caused by exceptionally mild winters, or alternatively a heavy snowpack, imply a greater risk for inorganic N leaching in this region than a possible increase of soil frost events because of reduced snow cover.

N-flux, wet deposition / Hole, L. R., de Wit, H. A., Aas, W. (2008): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic incidators
Indicator	N-flux, wet deposition

Reference

Hole, L. R., de Wit, H. A., Aas, W. (2008): Influence of summer and winter climate variability on nitrogen wet deposition in Norway. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Special Issue (Eurolimpacs).

Description

Dominating wind patterns around Norway may change due to climate warming. This could affect transport of polluted air masses and precipitation. Here, we study relations between reactive nitrogen wet deposition and air mass transport during summer and winter expressed in the form of climate indices, at seven sites in Southern Norway for the period 1980-2005. Atmospheric nitrate concentrations decreased with 0 to 50% in the period, particularly at sites with little precipitation, and mostly during 1990-2005. For comparison, reported reductions in emissions of oxidised nitrogen in Europe in 1989-2003 were 23%. Climate indices explained up to 36% of the variation in winter nitrate deposition at the western and northern sites and also explained 60% of the variation in winter precipitation (R=0.77). This suggests that the variation in nitrate wet deposition is closely related to variation in precipitation, and that the climate indices seem to also partly control the variation in atmospheric nitrate concentrations (R=−0.45 at coastal sites). At the coastal sites, local air temperature was highly correlated (R=0.84) with winter nitrate deposition, suggesting that warm, humid winter weather results in increased wet nitrate deposition. For ammonia the pattern was similar, but this compound is more influenced by local sources. Expected severe increase in precipitation in western and northern regions as a consequence of climate change suggest that nitrogen deposition in these areas will increase under global warming if emissions are held constant.

Abiotic indicators

Carbon cycling change (DOC release/retention) / Temnerud, J., Weyhenmeyer, G.A. (2008): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Carbon cycling change (DOC release/retention)

Reference

Temnerud, J., Weyhenmeyer, G.A. (2008): Abrupt changes in air temperature and precipitation: Do they matter for water chemistry ? Global Biogeochemical Cycles 22: 39661.

Description

We analyzed 120 years long time series of air temperature and precipitation from 29 respective 44 sites distributed all over Sweden and determined abrupt changes by using three methods. For air temperature we found significant changes in 1930 and 1989 and for precipitation in 1920, 1979, and 1998. Analyzing more than 30 yearlong time series of ice cover (333 sites), discharge and watercourses chemistry (87 sites), we observed abrupt changes in 1977, 1989, and 1998 for discharge but first in 1998 for watercourses chemistry, most pronounced for organic matter and sulfate concentrations. We suggest that the abrupt increase in air temperature in 1989 liberated more easily mobilized organic matter in the catchments, which, for water chemistry, was first detected in 1998 as a consequence of increased discharge. We conclude that increases in air temperatures can make ecosystems more sensitive to further changes in precipitation.

N-/C-flux / Lepistö, A., Kortelainen, P., Mattsson, ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	N-/C-flux

Reference

Lepistö, A., Kortelainen, P., Mattsson, T. (2008): Increased organic C and N leaching in a northern boreal river basin in Finland. Global Biogeochemical Cycles GB3029 22: 39722. (Euro-limpacs paper)

Description

Increasing trends in dissolved organic carbon concentrations in small lakes and streams have been reported across Europe and North America. Several hypotheses have been proposed, of which decreasing mineral acidity has recently been considered to be the most likely cause. The near-natural, northern Simojoki river basin (3160 km²) is located in the northern boreal zone in Finnish Lapland. Human impacts are minor with only limited forest management, low atmospheric deposition, and declining sulfate and H+ deposition over recent decades. Here we show that multiple effects (changes both in hydrological dynamics and in climate) explain increasing long-term total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic nitrogen (TON) fluxes in the river. Strong fluctuation was observed in the TOC concentration time series during the studied 43 year time period from 1962 to 2005. Statistically significant upward trends were detected for TON concentration and flow of the river during 1976?2005. The average TOC and TON flux increased by 38% and 42%, respectively, during the 1990s compared with the 1980s. The annual runoff was 27% higher during the 1990s than during the 1980s, accounting for only part of the increase in the TOC and TON outputs. Hydrological fluctuations, including longer drought/wet periods, are important. For example the drought period of 1994?1997 with low concentrations was followed by high TOC and TON concentration peaks and strong leaching fluxes during the period 1998?2000. Average soil temperatures in winter (January?April) in the 1990s were 1.6?2.1°C higher than in the 1980s. This increase may have contributed to increasing trends in organic N concentrations particularly during winter low flow, because of increased organic matter decomposition rates during the dormant season. These changes in decomposition rates might further intensify in warmer climatic conditions.

N-/C-flux / Lepistö, A., Kortelainen, P., Mattsson, ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	N-/C-flux

Reference

Lepistö, A., Kortelainen, P., Mattsson, T. (2008): Increased organic C and N leaching in a northern boreal river basin in Finland. Global Biogeochemical Cycles GB3029 22: 39722.

Description

Increasing trends in dissolved organic carbon concentrations in small lakes and streams have been reported across Europe and North America. Several hypotheses have been proposed, of which decreasing mineral acidity has recently been considered to be the most likely cause. The near-natural, northern Simojoki river basin (3160 km²) is located in the northern boreal zone in Finnish Lapland. Human impacts are minor with only limited forest management, low atmospheric deposition, and declining sulfate and H+ deposition over recent decades. Here we show that multiple effects (changes both in hydrological dynamics and in climate) explain increasing long-term total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic nitrogen (TON) fluxes in the river. Strong fluctuation was observed in the TOC concentration time series during the studied 43 year time period from 1962 to 2005. Statistically significant upward trends were detected for TON concentration and flow of the river during 1976-2005. The average TOC and TON flux increased by 38% and 42%, respectively, during the 1990s compared with the 1980s. The annual runoff was 27% higher during the 1990s than during the 1980s, accounting for only part of the increase in the TOC and TON outputs. Hydrological fluctuations, including longer drought/wet periods, are important. For example the drought period of 1994-1997 with low concentrations was followed by high TOC and TON concentration peaks and strong leaching fluxes during the period 1998?2000. Average soil temperatures in winter (January-April) in the 1990s were 1.6-2.1°C higher than in the 1980s. This increase may have contributed to increasing trends in organic N concentrations particularly during winter low flow, because of increased organic matter decomposition rates during the dormant season. These changes in decomposition rates might further intensify in warmer climatic conditions.

Early warning indicators

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Leconte, R., D. Peters, A. Pietroniro & T ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Leconte, R., D. Peters, A. Pietroniro & T. Prowse (2006): Modelling climate change impacts in the Peace and Athabasca catchment and delta: II - variations in flow and water levels with varying winter severity. Hydrological Processes 20(19): 4215-4230.

Description

In general, a reduction of winter severity lowered lake levels and river flows. While the winter severity effect is of relatively short duration in the rivers, the subsequent reduction in lake levels extends over the summer months. High river flows predispose flow reversal conditions, and water enters the lakes at the outlet as the water levels in the rivers feeding the PAD increase significantly over a short period of time. This flow reversal effect is suppressed during milder winters. Numerical modelling results indicate that extending the ice-cover season (severe winter) by 14 days resulted in an increase of up to 5 cm in water level of large takes in the PAD, while reducing it by 28 days lowered the levels by almost 10 cm. Short-term variations in river levels reached up to 1.5 m as a result of varying the extent of the ice-cover season. As the simulation runs did not consider ice-jam events and neglected the effect of ice thickness on water levels, the reported quantitative results must be interpreted with prudence.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Kaste, Ø., Wright, R.F., Barkved, L.J ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Kaste, Ø., Wright, R.F., Barkved, L.J., Bjerkeng, B., Engen-Skaugen, T., Magnusson, J., Sælthun, N.R. (2006): Linked models to assess the impacts of climate change on nitrogen in a Norwegian river basin and fjord system. Science of the Total Environment 365: 200-222.

Description

Dynamically downscaled data from two Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs), ECHAM4 from the Max-Planck Institute (MPI), Germany and HadAm3H from the Hadley Centre (HAD), UK, driven with two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions (IS92a and A2, respectively) were used to make climate change projections. These projections were then used to drive four effect models linked to assess the effects on hydrology, and nitrogen (N) concentrations and fluxes, in the Bjerkreim river basin (685-km²) and its coastal fjord, southwestern Norway. The four effect models were the hydrological model HBV, the water quality models MAGIC, INCA-N and the NIVA FJORD model. The downscaled climate scenarios project a general temperature increase in the study region of approximately 1°C by 2030-2049 (MPI IS92a) and approximately 3°C by 2071-2100 (HAD A2). Both scenarios imply increased winter precipitation, whereas the projections of summer and autumn precipitation are quite different, with the MPI scenario projecting a slight increase and the HAD scenario a significant decrease. As a response to increased winter temperature, the HBV model simulates a dramatic reduction of snow accumulation in the upper parts of the catchment, which in turn lead to higher runoff during winter and lower runoff during snowmelt in the spring. With the HAD scenario, runoff in summer and early autumn is substantially reduced as a result of reduced precipitation, increased temperatures and thereby increased evapotranspiration. The water quality models, MAGIC and INCA-N project no major changes in nitrate (NO₃−) concentrations and fluxes within the MPI scenario, but a significant increase in concentrations and a 40-50% increase in fluxes in the HAD scenario. As a consequence, the acidification of the river could increase, thus offsetting ongoing recovery from acidification due to reductions in acid deposition. Additionally, the increased N loading may stimulate growth of N-limited benthic algae and macrophytes along the river channels and lead to undesirable eutrophication effects in the estuarine area. Simulations made by the FJORD model and the HAD scenario indicate that primary production in the estuary might increase up to 15-20%, based on the climate-induced changes in river flow and nitrate concentrations alone.

Food webs

/ Kishi, D., M. Murakami, N. Shigeru & K. M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Food webs
Indicator

Reference

Kishi, D., M. Murakami, N. Shigeru & K. Maekawa (2005): Water temperature determines strength of top-down control in a stream food web. Freshwater Biology 50(8): 1315-1322.

Description

Predatory fish, herbivorous caddisfly larvae and periphyton: A top-down effect of fish on the abundance of caddisfly larvae and periphyton was clear at 12 °C. This effect was not observed at 3 and 21 °C because of low predation pressure of fish at these temperatures (depressed feeding activity). Trophic cascading effects may vary with temperature even in the presence of abundant predators. Physiological depression of predators because of thermal stress can alter top-down control and lead to changes in community structure. Thermal habitat alteration can change food web structure via combinations of direct and indirect trophic interactions.

Primary production

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Description

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & L.B.M. Vought (1999): Effects of leaf-litter accumulation on riparian plant diversity across Europe. Ecology 80(5): 1770-1775.

Description

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Leaf litter quality / Adams, J.A., N.C. Tuchman & P.A. Moore (2 ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Leaf litter quality

Reference

Adams, J.A., N.C. Tuchman & P.A. Moore (2003): Atmospheric CO₂ enrichment alters leaf detritus: impacts on foraging decisions of crayfish (Orconectes virilis). Journal of the North American Benthological Society 22(3): 410-422.

Description

Many tree species demonstrate altered folia chemical composition when grown under elevated CO₂ conditions, decreasing the nutritional quality of leaves for herbivores and detritivores. Changes in the chemistry of leaf detritus may affect the food-selection behavior of organisms, such as crayfish, that feed on it. Crayfish can discriminate chemically between AMB (leaf litter from current CO₂ concentration) and ELEV (leaf litter from twice the current concentration) detritus, that AMB detritus is preferred, and that crayfish are attracted by chemicals diffusing from the detritus. (Detritus from trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)).

Neophytes / Truscott, A.M., S.C.F. Palmer, C. Soulsby &am ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Neophytes

Reference

Description

Secondary production - fish

Assemblage structure / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Assemblage structure / Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): Functional-organization of stream fish assemblages in relation to hydrological variability. Ecology 76(2): 606-627.

Description

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Description

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Schindler, D.W. (2001): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Description

Changing flows due to changing temperatures and precipitation. Changing aquatic community, life cycles. Warming trend: Habitats for cold-stenotherms decline.

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change / Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): Effects of climate warming on fish habitat in streams of the United States. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 1109-1115.

Description

Water temperature increase: Habitats for cold and cool water fish reduced by approx. 50%. Examples: Oncorhynchus mykiss, Catastomus commersoni.

Distribution range, habitat change / Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & J.F. Kitchell (1992): Global change and freshwater ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23: 119-139.

Description

Distribution range, habitat change / Goniea, T. M., M.L. Keefer, T.C. Bjornn, C. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Goniea, T. M., M.L. Keefer, T.C. Bjornn, C. Peery, D.H. Bennett & L.C. Stuehrenberg (2006): Behavioral thermoregulation and slowed migration by adult fall Chinook salmon in response to high Columbia River water temperatures Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135(2): 408-419.

Description

Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha: mean and median migration rates through the lower Columbia River slowed significantly when water temperatures were above about 20 °C. Slowed migration was strongly associated with temporary use of tributaries, which averaged 2-7 °C cooler than the main stem. The proportion of radio-tagged salmon using tributaries increased exponentially as Columbia River temperatures rose within the year, and use was highest in the warmest years. The historical passage data showed significant shifts in fall Chinook salmon run timing distributions concomitant with Columbia River warming and consistent with increasing use of thermal refugia. Chinook salmon predictably alter their migration behaviors in response to elevated temperatures.

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct

Reference

Description

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease / Xenopoulos, M.A., D.M. Lodge, J. Alcamo, M. M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease

Reference

Description

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Finstad, A.G., T. Forseth, T.F. Næsje & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Finstad, A.G., T. Forseth, T.F. Næsje & O. Ugedal (2004): The importance of ice cover for energy turnover in juvenile Atlantic salmon. Journal of Animal Ecology 73(5): 959-966.

Description

experiments showed lower metabolic costs in darkness under simulated ice cover than without ice. Under benign laboratory conditions the response to light (ice cover) varied among populations and only the northern population were able to attain positive growth in the dark. Under semi-natural conditions the lack of ice cover induced strong negative effects on the energy budget. Because energetic deficiencies are assumed to be an important cause of winter mortality, our study indicates that ice break-ups or removal following climatic change may affect winter survival significantly, particularly in northern populations.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Lawson, P.W., E.A. Logerwell, N.J. Mantua, R. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Lawson, P.W., E.A. Logerwell, N.J. Mantua, R.C. Francis & V.N. Agostini (2004): Environmental factors influencing freshwater survival and smolt production in Pacific Northwest coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61(3): 360-373.

Description

Annual air temperatures and second winter flows correlated strongly with smolt production from both stock units. Additional correlates for the Oregon Coast stocks were the date of first fall freshets and flow during smolt outmigration. Air temperature is correlated with sea surface temperature and timing of the spring transition so that good freshwater conditions are typically associated with good marine conditions.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease / Rivers-Moore, N.A., G.P.W. Jewitt & D.C. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease

Reference

Rivers-Moore, N.A., G.P.W. Jewitt & D.C. Weeks (2005): Derivation of quantitative management objectives for annual instream water temperature in the Sabie River using a biological index. Water SA 31(4):473-482.

Description

Water temperature increased; exceedance of treshold temperature (25 °C) from Chiloglanis anoterus, abundance, condition declined.

Secondary production - invertebrates

Community change: anoxiatolerant species / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: anoxiatolerant species

Reference

Description

Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Monk, W.A., P.J. Wood, D.M. Hannah, D.A. Wils ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Monk, W.A., P.J. Wood, D.M. Hannah, D.A. Wilson, C.A. Extence & R.P. Chadd (2006): Flow variability and macroinvertebrate community response within riverine systems. River Research and Applications 22(5): 595-615.

Description

A west-east trend of flow regime magnitude (high-low) and timing (early-late peak) was displayed across the study area, reflecting climatic gradients and basin controls (e.g. lithology). From the suite of hydrological variables, those associated with the magnitude of the flow regime consistently produced the strongest relationships with macroinvertebrate community metrics for all sites and for the long-term regime composite classes.

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Life history characteristics change / Baron, J.S. (1997): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Baron, J.S. (1997): Effects of climate change on in-stream biology and freshwater ecosystems. Briefing document for Great Plains climate change workshop 5/97

Description

Water temperature increased i.e. caddiesflies growth rates change, shortened life cycles. Habitat loss, population fragmentation.

Life history characteristics change: food selection / Adams, J.A., N.C. Tuchman & P.A. Moore (2 ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change: food selection

Reference

Description

Susceptibility ecosystem

Review (anthropogenic stressors) / Søndergaard, M., Jeppesen, E. (2007): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	rivers in general
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Review (anthropogenic stressors)

Reference

Søndergaard, M., Jeppesen, E. (2007): Editorial overview: anthroprogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems and approaches to restoration. Journal of Applied Ecology 44: 1089-1094.

Description

Freshwater ecosystems have long been affected by numerous types of human interventions that have a negative impact on their water quality and ecological state. Fortunately, in most western countries the input of sewage to freshwater systems has been reduced, but hydromorphological alterations, eutrophication-related turbidity and loss of biodiversity remain major problems in many parts of the world. Such impacts prevent the achievement of a high or good ecological state, as defined by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) or other standards. This paper synthesizes and links the findings presented in the seven papers of this special profile, focusing on the effects of anthropogenic stressors on freshwater ecosystems and on how to maintain and restore ecological quality. The papers cover a broad range of research areas and methods, but are all centred on the relationship between dispersal barriers, the connectivity of waterways and the restoration of rivers and lakes. The construction of dams and reservoirs disturbs the natural functioning of many streams and rivers and shore-line development around lakes may reduce habitat complexity. New methods demonstrate how reservoirs may have a severe impact on the distribution and connectivity of fish populations, and new techniques illustrate the potential of using graph theory and connectivity models to illustrate the ecological implications. Hydromorphologically degraded rivers and streams can be restored by addition of wood debris, but "passive" restoration via natural wood recruitment may be preferable. The most cost-effective way to restore streams may also include information campaigns to farmers on best management practices. Removal of zooplanktivorous fish often has marked positive effects on trophic structure in lakes, but there is a tendency to return to turbid conditions after 8-10 years or less unless fish removal is repeated. Development of new methods, as well as derivation of more general conclusions from reviewing the effects of previous restoration efforts, are crucial to achieve progress in applied freshwater research. The papers contained in this Special Profile contribute on both counts, as well as illustrating the importance of well-designed research projects and monitoring programmes to record the effects of the interventions. Such efforts are vital if we are to improve our knowledge of freshwater systems and to elaborate the best and most cost-effective recommendations. They may also help in achieving a good ecological state or potential in water bodies by 2015, as demanded by the European WFD.

Large

Abiotic indicators

Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands) / Clair, T.A. & J.M. Ehrman (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Description

DON: decrease of up to 33,4% to increase of up to 34,9% in runoff depending on scenario. DOC: decrease of up to 34.3% to increase of up to 42.3% in runoff depending on scenario.

Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands) / Striegl, R.G., G.R. Aiken, M.M. Dornblaser, P ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Eutrophication (decomposition, mineralisation, oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Striegl, R.G., G.R. Aiken, M.M. Dornblaser, P.A. Raymond & K.P. Wickland (2005): A decrease in discharge-normalzed DOC export by the Yukon River during summer through autumn. Geophysical Research Letters 32: L21413.

Description

Decreased DOC export: increased flow path, residence time, and microbial mineralization in the soil activ layer and groundwater.

Pollution (oxidation, release wetlands) / Bergström, S., Carlsson, B., Gardelin, M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Abiotic indicators
Indicator	Pollution (oxidation, release wetlands)

Reference

Bergström, S., Carlsson, B., Gardelin, M., Lindström, G., Pettersson, A. & M. Rummukainen (2001): Climate change impacts on runoff in Sweden - assessments by global climate models, dynamical downscaling and hydrological modelling. Climate Research 16: 101-112.

Description

Model (for 2050 and 2100), runoff volume: High increases (in the north). Decreasing dominance of spring floods, higher low flows.

Early warning indicators

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) and seasonality changed / Andréasson, J., S. Bergström, B. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) and seasonality changed

Reference

Andréasson, J., S. Bergström, B. Carlsson, L.P. Graham & G. Lindström (2004): Hydrological change - climate change impact simulations for Sweden. Ambio 33 (4-5): 228-234.

Description

Runoff: Predominantly decreased annual runoff volumes in southeastern, increased volumes in northern Sweden. Decreased spring flood peaks; decreased summer runoff in southern Sweden; Decreased frequency of high flow events during spring; increased autumn and winter runoff; increased frequency of high flow events during autumn.

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Bergström, S., Carlsson, B., Gardelin, M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Description

Model (for 2050 and 2100), runoff volume: High increases (in the north). Decreasing dominance of spring floods, higher low flows.

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Saelthun, N.R., S. Bergström, K. Einarss ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Description

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Poff, L.N., S. Tokar & P. Johnson (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Poff, L.N., S. Tokar & P. Johnson (1996): Stream hydrological and ecological responses to climate change assessed with an artificial neural network. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 857-863.

Description

Runoff volume: Up to 5% decrease to up to 5% increase of mean flow (depending on scenario). Runoff dynamics: 25% decrease to 10% increase in flood frequency; slight decrease to up to 10% increase in flood predictability (depending on scenario). Baseflow: Up to 10% decrease (depending on scenario).

Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, water temperature/extremes / Morrison, J., M.C. Quick & M.G.G. Foreman ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: flooding events, extremes increased, runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, water temperature/extremes

Reference

Morrison, J., M.C. Quick & M.G.G. Foreman (2002): Climate change in the Fraser River watershed: Flow and temperature projections. Journal of Hydrology 263: 230-244.

Description

Runoff: reduced freshet. Baseflow: flow model does not predict more changes in the mean or minimum flow chatacteristics but the predicted decline in the peak flow may have serious implications. Water temperature: summer water temperature increased. Effect on salmon spawning mortality.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Clair, T.A. & J.M. Ehrman (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Description

DON: decrease of up to 33,4% to increase of up to 34,9% in runoff depending on scenario. DOC: decrease of up to 34.3% to increase of up to 42.3% in runoff depending on scenario.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed / Loukas, A., Vasiliades, L. & N.R. Dalezio ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed

Reference

Loukas, A., Vasiliades, L. & N.R. Dalezios (2002): Climatic impacts on the runoff generation processes in British Columbia, Canada. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 6(2): 211-227

Description

Groundwater: Illecillewaet: doubled generation of runoff by outflow of groundwater (due to higher infiltration rate); Upper Campbell: increased generation of runoff by outflow of groundwater. Runoff: Illecillewaet: 37% increase of annual runoff; 21% decrease of annual runoff from rainfall (due to higher permeability of soil); increase of annual runoff from snowmelt and glacier; Upper Campbell: 13% increase of annual runoff; 30% increase of annual runoff from rainfall; 83% decrease of annual runoff from snowmelt. Runoff dynamics: Illecillewaet: increase of autumn, winter and early spring runoff; decrease of summer runoff; Upper Campbell: increase of late autumn and winter runoff; decrease of summer runoff.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, flooding events, extremes increased / Vehviläinen, B. & J. Lohvansuu (1991 ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, flooding events, extremes increased

Reference

Vehviläinen, B. & J. Lohvansuu (1991): The effects of climate change on discharges and snow cover in Finland. Hydrological Sciences Journal 36(2): 109-121.

Description

Model (CO₂-doubling). Runoff volume: Increase of MQ, predominantly in winter. Runoff dynamics, extremes: Decrease of spring high flows; decrease of maximum discharges and MHQ; increase of MNQ.

Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, seasonality changed / Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: runoff (MNQ, MHQ) changed, seasonality changed

Reference

Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. Spreafico (1994): Effects of climate change on snow accumulation and melting in the Broye catchment (Switzerland). Climatic Change 28: 339-363.

Description

Hydrology: seasonality changed / Graham, L.P. (2004): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Early warning indicators
Indicator	Hydrology: seasonality changed

Reference

Graham, L.P. (2004): Climate change effects on river flow to the Baltic Sea. Ambio 33(4-5): 235-241.

Description

Runoff: Increased flows from northern basins, decreased flows form southern basins to the Baltic Sea. Increased winter flows, reduced summer flows; no pronounced increase in magnitude of high flow events, more frequent medium to high flow events.

Primary production

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Description

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Hudon, C. (2004): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Hudon, C. (2004): Shift in wetland plant composition and biomass following low-level episodes in the St. Lawrence River: looking into the future. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 61(4): 603-617.

Description

Low water levels altered wetland vegetation: various Graminea (including Phalaris arundinacea and Phragmites australis) and facultative annual species invaded previously marshy areas. Submerged species previously found in shallow waters were replaced on dry ground by annual terrestrial plants; Alisma gramineum colonized emergent waterlogged mudflats. The low water levels of 1999 induced a spatially discontinuous plant biomass that was richer in terrestrial material than in previous years (1993-1994). In comparison with the 1930s, recent surveys indicate a decline of assemblages dominated by Equisetum spp. and Najas flexilis and a rise of those dominated by Lythrum salicaria, Potamogeton spp., and filamentous algae. These shifts reveal the additional effects of nutrient enrichment, alien species, and shoreline alteration accompanying a change from a mostly agricultural to a mostly urbanized and industrialized landscape.

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Nilsson, C., S.J. Xiong, M.E. Johansson & L.B.M. Vought (1999): Effects of leaf-litter accumulation on riparian plant diversity across Europe. Ecology 80(5): 1770-1775.

Description

Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian) / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Diversity, community, distribution change (submersed and riparian)

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Neophytes / Truscott, A.M., S.C.F. Palmer, C. Soulsby &am ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Primary production
Indicator	Neophytes

Reference

Description

Secondary production - fish

Assemblage structure / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Assemblage structure / Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Assemblage structure

Reference

Poff, N.L. & J.D. Allan (1995): Functional-organization of stream fish assemblages in relation to hydrological variability. Ecology 76(2): 606-627.

Description

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Description

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms / Schindler, D.W. (2001): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms

Reference

Description

Changing flows due to changing temperatures and precipitation. Changing aquatic community, life cycles. Warming trend: Habitats for cold-stenotherms decline.

Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change / Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Community change: decrease cold stenotherms, distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Eaton, J.G. & R.M. Scheller (1996): Effects of climate warming on fish habitat in streams of the United States. Limnology and Oceanography 41(5): 1109-1115.

Description

Water temperature increase: Habitats for cold and cool water fish reduced by approx. 50%. Examples: Oncorhynchus mykiss, Catastomus commersoni.

Distribution range, habitat change / Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Carpenter, S.R., S.G. Fisher, N.B. Grimm & J.F. Kitchell (1992): Global change and freshwater ecosystems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 23: 119-139.

Description

Distribution range, habitat change / Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Bu ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Description

Distribution range, habitat change, life-history: migration timing, spawning, emergence timing / Huntington, T.G., G.A. Hodgkins & R. Dudl ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change, life-history: migration timing, spawning, emergence timing

Reference

Huntington, T.G., G.A. Hodgkins & R. Dudley (2003): Historical Trend in River Ice Thickness and Coherence in Hydroclimatological Trends in Maine. Climatic Change 61: 217-236.

Description

Distribution range, habitat change, productivity, density, species richness, survival / Ries, R.D. & S.A. Perry (1995): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Distribution range, habitat change, productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Ries, R.D. & S.A. Perry (1995): Potential effects of global climate warming on brook trout growth and prey consumption in central Appalachian streams, USA. Climate Research 5(3): 197-206.

Description

Hydrology: temperature, waterflow seasonal and diurnal pattern, change the habitat by salmon and trout / Heggenes, J. & J.G. Dokk (2001): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Hydrology: temperature, waterflow seasonal and diurnal pattern, change the habitat by salmon and trout

Reference

Heggenes, J. & J.G. Dokk (2001): Contrasting temperatures, waterflows, and light: Seasonal habitat selection by young atlantic salmon and brown trout in a boreonemoral river. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management 17(6): 623-635.

Description

Variability in temperature, runoff, and light: observation of 396 salmon and 120 trout. Brown trout: slow-flowing habitat types, Atlantic salmon: fast flowing habitat. Variation in temperature and runoff volume: habitat change by salmon and trout. Selection of the habitat by salmon and trout depending on season and light.

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct

Reference

Description

Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease / Xenopoulos, M.A., D.M. Lodge, J. Alcamo, M. M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Non native invasives; native rare species extinct, species change, extinction (floods), thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease

Reference

Description

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Morrison, J., M.C. Quick & M.G.G. Foreman ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Morrison, J., M.C. Quick & M.G.G. Foreman (2002): Climate change in the Fraser River watershed: Flow and temperature projections. Journal of Hydrology 263: 230-244.

Description

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Adkison, M.D., M. Randall, M.F. Peterman, D.M ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Adkison, M.D., M. Randall, M.F. Peterman, D.M. Lapoint & J.K. Gillis (1996): Alternative models of climatic effects on sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, productivity in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and the Fraser river, British Columbia Fisheries Oceanography 5(3-4): 137-152.

Description

In Bristol Bay, productivity covaries among stocks and appears to be strongly related to fluctuations in climate. The best model for Bristol Bay sockeye involved a change in the 1970s in the parameters of the Ricker stock-recruitment curve; the stocks generally became more productive. In contrast, none of the models of Fraser River stocks that we examined explained much of the variability in their productivity.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Beamish, R.J., C.E.M. Neville & A.J. Cass ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Beamish, R.J., C.E.M. Neville & A.J. Cass (1997): Production of Fraser River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in relation to decadal-scale changes in the climate and the ocean. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 54(3): 543-554.

Description

The abundance changes of the combined stocks of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) can be separated into productivity regimes that correspond to changes in climate trends. The most distinct change occurred when there was a major change in the climate over the Pacific Ocean in the winter of 1976-1977.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Crozier, L. & R. W. Zabel (2006): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Crozier, L. & R. W. Zabel (2006): Climate impacts at multiple scales: evidence for differential population responses in juvenile Chinook salmon. Journal of Animal Ecology 75(5): 1100-1109.

Description

Chinook salmon Onchorynchus tshawytscha: Survival in two of the clusters was negatively correlated with summer temperature, and survival in the other two clusters was positively correlated with minimum fall stream flow, which in turn depends on snow pack from the previous winter. Using classification and regression tree analysis, we identified stream width and stream temperature as key habitat factors that shape the responses of individual populations to climate. Climate change will likely have different impacts on different populations within this metapopulation, and recognizing this diversity is important for accurately assessing risks.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Swansburg, E., G. Chaput, D. Moore, D. Caissi ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Swansburg, E., G. Chaput, D. Moore, D. Caissie & N. El-Jabi (2002): Size variability of juvenile Atlantic salmon: links to environmental conditions. Journal of Fish Biology 61(3): 661-683.

Description

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: Fork lengths of parr were significantly and negatively associated with spring air and water temperatures. In the Miramichi River, increases in air and water temperature as predicted from climate change models may adversely affect growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon parr, reducing the overall productivity of the Atlantic salmon populations in this region. (Environmental conditions in the current bear of growth have the more significant effects on size of age 2 year parr than conditions encountered the previous year by age 1 year parr of the same cohort).

Productivity, density, species richness, survival / Swansburg, E., N. El-Jabi, Caissie, D. & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival

Reference

Swansburg, E., N. El-Jabi, Caissie, D. & G. Chaput (2004): Hydrometeorological trends in the Miramichi river, Canada: Implications for Atlantic salmon growth. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24(2): 561-576.

Description

Increased spring air temperatures and water temperatures were significantly associated with smaller sizes in Atlantic salmon parr (age 2). Changes in discharge and precipitation were also significantly associated with the size of juvenile Atlantic salmon. Future climate-change scenarios: productivity of Atlantic salmon populations in this region will likely be adversely affected.

Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease, distribution range, habitat change / Hari, R.E., D.M. Livingstone, R. Siber, P. Bu ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - fish
Indicator	Productivity, density, species richness, survival, thermal stress: deseases increase -> population decrease, distribution range, habitat change

Reference

Description

Water temperature increase: brown trout upward migration, incidence of Proliferative Kidney Disease increased, populations decrease (catch declined by 66,4%).

Secondary production - invertebrates

Community change: anoxiatolerant species / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: anoxiatolerant species

Reference

Description

Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Hauer, F.R., J.S. Baron, D.H. Campbell, K.D. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: Species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Lake, P.S., M.A. Palmer, P. Biro, J. Cole, A. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Hawkins, C.P., J.N. Hogue, L.M. Decker & ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Description

Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure. / Heino, J. (2002): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Community change: species richness, diversity, assemblage structure.

Reference

Heino, J. (2002): Concordance of species richness patterns among multiple freshwater taxa: a regional perspective. Biodiversity and Conservation 11(1): 137-147.

Description

Life history characteristics change / Baron, J.S. (1997): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Baron, J.S. (1997): Effects of climate change on in-stream biology and freshwater ecosystems. Briefing document for Great Plains climate change workshop 5/97

Description

Water temperature increased i.e. caddiesflies growth rates change, shortened life cycles. Habitat loss, population fragmentation.

Life history characteristics change / Briers, R.A., Gee, J.H.R. & R. Geoghegan ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Secondary production - invertebrates
Indicator	Life history characteristics change

Reference

Briers, R.A., Gee, J.H.R. & R. Geoghegan (2004): Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation on growth and phenology of stream insects. Ecography 27: 811-817.

Description

Susceptibility ecosystem

Catchment size, other characteristics / Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Catchment size, other characteristics

Reference

Bultot, F., Gellens, D., Schädler B. & M. Spreafico (1994): Effects of climate change on snow accumulation and melting in the Broye catchment (Switzerland). Climatic Change 28: 339-363.

Description

Geography / Andréasson, J., S. Bergström, B. ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Geography

Reference

Andréasson, J., S. Bergström, B. Carlsson, L.P. Graham & G. Lindström (2004): Hydrological change - climate change impact simulations for Sweden. Ambio 33 (4-5): 228-234.

Description

Geography / Saelthun, N.R., S. Bergström, K. Einarss ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Geography

Reference

Description

Geography / Graham, L.P. (2004): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Geography

Reference

Graham, L.P. (2004): Climate change effects on river flow to the Baltic Sea. Ambio 33(4-5): 235-241.

Description

Geology, groundwater / Loukas, A., Vasiliades, L. & N.R. Dalezio ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Geology, groundwater

Reference

Loukas, A., Vasiliades, L. & N.R. Dalezios (2002): Climatic impacts on the runoff generation processes in British Columbia, Canada. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 6(2): 211-227

Description

Land use / Hudon, C. (2004): ...

Climate Region	cold
Ecosystem type	large
Parameter group	Susceptibility ecosystem
Indicator	Land use

Freshwater type.

Rivers in cold ecoregions

– Case studies –

Small

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Rivers in general

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