Stabilization of fine gravels by net-spinning caddisfly larvae

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
To extend understanding of the role of silk-producing caddisflies (from the family Hydropsychidae) on particle entrainment, this study compares thresholds of incipient motion for colonized and river-conditioned but also uncolonized sediments using combined field and laboratory flume experiments. In contrast to previous work, the AA. examine the incipient motion of fine-gravel substrates that have been colonized to natural densities, without isolating the animals from those abiotic and biotic interactions inherent in field environments that may influence engineering potential. They are able, therefore, to examine caddisfly impact relative to the collective effects of some other ambient, abiotic and biotic processes that are potentially important conditioning agents of fine-gravel entrainment. The AA. conclude that these larvae are locally very important for stabilizing fine-grained patches.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2009, vol. 34, n°. 3, p. 413-423, nombre de pages : 11, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2009

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley