Influences of Boulder Placement on Stream Habitat Quality Metrics
Publication: World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2021
ABSTRACT
Boulder placement is a common method to improve instream degraded habitats. Studies have shown that using boulders, if properly placed, can provide eco-friendly habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms by increasing spatial flow heterogeneity within a stream. This study assessed the effects of boulder placement on the ecological performance of a stream through evaluating habitat quality metrics. Experiments were performed in a gravel-bed flume with and without boulder placement at low and high flow rates. Metrics M1 and M2, representing spatial changes of kinetic energy, and M4, as an indicator of flow recirculation in the horizontal plane, were calculated for each scenario, and their possible effects on habitat quality were discussed. High M1 and M2 values were observed around boulders, specifically in the wake of the boulders. Metric M4 indicated that boulder placement at a low flow rate resulted in the most hydraulic complexity, which may be beneficial for fish and other aquatic organisms. The results can be used to improve stream restoration projects with boulder placement from a habitat quality point of view.
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World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2021
Pages: 134 - 144
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Jun 3, 2021
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