Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1161-6978

Date of Award

8-7-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Sarah H. Ledford

Abstract

This study examines the effects of hydrologic disturbances and land cover on stream metabolism within various watersheds in the Piedmont region. I utilized continuous dissolved oxygen measurements and stream metabolism data from 14 sites, collected over a period of up to 11 years. This research builds on existing datasets to assess changes in flow and land cover impacts on gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). Results indicate that GPP resistance significantly decreases with flow event size, while ER resistance remains stable. GPP recovery times were longer for larger storms, showing significant differences between the highest and lower flow quartiles. Even-mixed land-cover watersheds exhibited lower GPP resistance and longer recovery times than urban and vegetated watersheds, while ER resistance and recovery did not significantly differ across land cover types. These findings underscore the importance of considering hydrologic regimes and land cover in watershed management to enhance stream resilience.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/37408716

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