Testing the river continuum concept: Exploring ecological processes in the Wheeling Creek watershed.
Date of Graduation
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Trevor M. Harris
Abstract
The river continuum concept (RCC) asserts that the biological community in a stream system is largely regulated by geomorphological factors (Vannote, et al., 1980, 131). The concept states that community structure in natural stream systems is structured in order to capitalize on the most efficient energy utilization throughout. The objective of this research is to test the RCC in the Wheeling Creek watershed of northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania and to compare the results with those hypothesized under the RCC. One of the strongest criticisms of the RCC is that the continuum assumes an undisturbed stream system. Anomalies found for the Wheeling Creek indicates non-optimal performance of the stream system due largely to human disturbance.
Recommended Citation
Carpenter, Deborah Ann, "Testing the river continuum concept: Exploring ecological processes in the Wheeling Creek watershed." (2001). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10545.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10545