A primer on steam temperature processes

Stream temperature is one of the most critical factors controlling aquatic eco-system health. Practitioners and researchers from a range of fields, including biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, and watershed management, are concerned with how climate and environmental changes are impacting stream thermal regimes. This primer provides an introduction to the various energy and water exchange processes that underpin stream temperature patterns from small headwater streams to large river systems. An overview of the various energy exchanges is provided, including (1) advection associated with hydro-logic processes, and energy exchanges at (2) the stream–atmosphere interface and (3) stream–bed interface. The interaction and spatiotemporal variability of these energy exchange processes are discussed using a water and energy balance framework. A sound physical understanding and appreciation of the complex controls governing stream thermal regimes will help inform effective management strategies to sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems in a changing world.

Title	A primer on steam temperature processes
Creator	Leach, J. A.
	Neilson, B. T.
	Kurylyk, B. L.
	Kelleher, Christa A.
	Moore, R. D.
Publisher	WIREs Water
Academic Department	Civil & Environmental Engineering
Division	Engineering
Organization	Lafayette College
Date Issued	2023
Date Available	2023-07-25
Type	Article
Language	English
Keyword	thermal regime
	advection
	energy fluxes
	stream temperature
	hydrology
Bibliographic Citation	Leach, J. A., et al. (2023) "A primer on steam temperature processes." WIREs Water 10 (4): e1643.
Standard Identifier	Handle 10385/x059c8805
Standard Identifier	DOI 10.1002/wat2.1643
Permalink	http://hdl.handle.net/10385/x059c8805
Rights Statement	Creative Commons - Attribution, Non-Commercial
Rights Holders	Neilson, B. T.
	Moore, R. D.
	His Majesty the King in Right of Canada
	Kurylyk, B. L.
	Kelleher, Christa A.
	Leach, J. A.