Great Lakes rivermouth ecosystems: Scientific synthesis and management implications |
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Authors: | James H Larson Anett S Trebitz Alan D Steinman Michael J Wiley Martha Carlson Mazur Victoria Pebbles Heather A Braun Paul W Seelbach |
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Affiliation: | 1. United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI 54603, USA;2. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN 55812, USA;3. Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA;4. School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;5. School of Environmental Studies, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY 04025, USA;6. Great Lakes Commission, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;g United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA |
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Abstract: | At the interface of the Great Lakes and their tributary rivers lies the rivermouths, a class of aquatic ecosystem where lake and lotic processes mix and distinct features emerge. Many rivermouths are the focal point of both human interaction with the Great Lakes and human impacts to the lakes; many cities, ports, and beaches are located in rivermouth ecosystems, and these human pressures often degrade key ecological functions that rivermouths provide. Despite their ecological uniqueness and apparent economic importance, there has been relatively little research on these ecosystems as a class relative to studies on upstream rivers or the open-lake waters. Here we present a synthesis of current knowledge about ecosystem structure and function in Great Lakes rivermouths based on studies in both Laurentian rivermouths, coastal wetlands, and marine estuarine systems. A conceptual model is presented that establishes a common semantic framework for discussing the characteristic spatial features of rivermouths. This model then is used to conceptually link ecosystem structure and function to ecological services provided by rivermouths. This synthesis helps identify the critical gaps in understanding rivermouth ecology. Specifically, additional information is needed on how rivermouths collectively influence the Great Lakes ecosystem, how human alterations influence rivermouth functions, and how ecosystem services provided by rivermouths can be managed to benefit the surrounding socioeconomic networks. |
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Keywords: | Mixing zone Hydrology Geochemistry Biotic diversity Ecosystem services Estuary |
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