Stream Ecosystem Processes

The two most important ecosystem processes in streams are the cycling of nutrients and the flow of energy among organisms.

The River Continuum Concept has been developed as a framework to describe longitudinal changes in these processes and other stream features from headwater streams to the mouth of large rivers. Energy for streams comes from allochthonous and autochthonous sources.

Nutrient Spiraling is a process whereby nutrient cycling occurs in the context of flowing streams.

Organic Matter Processing includes breakdown from coarse particulate organic matter to fine particulate organic matter, and dissolving of organic matter and transporting downstream.

An unknown, but possibly significant, amount of carbon is processed by the microbial food web, in the so-called microbial loop.

Energy in stream ecosystems is transferred among organisms in food webs.

Woody debris serves an important role in these processes. It modifies geomorphic processes, and provides habitat for invertebrates and fish.