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Coarse Woody Debris Quantity and Distribution in Central European Streams
Author(s) -
Hering Daniel,
Kail Jochem,
Eckert Sabine,
Gerhard Marc,
Meyer Elisabeth I.,
Mutz Michael,
Reich Michael,
Weiss Ilga
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international review of hydrobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 1434-2944
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1522-2632(200003)85:1<5::aid-iroh5>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - streams , coarse woody debris , large woody debris , riparian zone , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , floodplain , snag , stream bed , physical geography , ecology , habitat , geography , geology , biology , computer network , geotechnical engineering , computer science
Summarized here are ten investigations concerning the volume of coarse woody debris (CWD) in Central European streams. Altogether, 69 stream sections were examined ranging from Northern German lowland streams to brooks in alpine regions. Most of the study streams are according to Central European standards quasi‐natural and are bordered by deciduous forest. The geometric mean of CWD volume related to stream length is 1.44 m 3 /100 meter reach. Related to stream bottom area, the geometric mean of CWD volume is 0.202 m 3 /100 m 2 . The mean number of logs (≥10 cm diameter) is 12.5 logs/100 meter reach, and 3.01/100 m 2 bottom area (geometric means). Regarding only quasi‐natural stream sections (riparian forest currently unmanaged and no removal of CWD for at least 10 years), the geometric mean of CWD standing stock is 0.45 m 3 /100 m 2 for lowland streams, 0.38 m 3 /100 m 2 for streams in lower mountainous areas and 0.02 m 3 /100 m 2 for alpine floodplains. From the distribution of size classes and comparison with other studies it is likely, that the current CWD standing stock is considerably less than the potential amount of CWD. For centuries all of the streams have been influenced by man. Historic alterations of the stream, its floodplain and the riparian vegetation may still affect CWD supply and standing stock. We conclude that virtually all streams in Central Europe are highly altered with respect to the amount of CWD, and that the importance of CWD is under‐represented in recent assessment principles for streams in Germany.