Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Rivers in cold ecoregions, Small rivers
Increase of algae growth rates
| Stressor type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Biological parameters |
| Responding parameter | Increase of algae growth rates |
Response description
With increasing water temperatures, growth of benthic algae will stop later in autumn and start earlier in spring.
Secondary effects
Increased food availability for grazers in the macroinvertebrate community. Increased grazer abundance.
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Relevant for all small rivers in cold ecoregions.
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
Borealic Uplands (20), Tundra (21), Fennoscandian Shield (22), Taiga (23)
Suggested indicator
Water temperature (maximum and minimum monthly values) in winter
Justification of indicator
Algae growth in winter is inhibited by water temperatures.
