Postgraduate Student Profile
 Elisa
Howes
Spatial patterns in the organisation of stream habitats and
processes within catchments: evaluating the existence and
benefits of a scale hierarchy
Supervisors
- Dr. Michael Stewardson - University of Melbourne
- Dr. Tony Ladson Monash University
- Professor Rodger Grayson Monash University
CRCCH project links
Personal background
- Bach. Eng Enviro (Hons), Melb. Uni (completed 2002)
- Bach. Sci Earth Sci, Melb. Uni (completed 2002)
Research context and anticipated research outcomes
It is often proposed that stream habitats are structured
according to a hierarchy of discrete spatial scales, ranging
upwards from micro-habitats (point data), to morphological
units (e.g. pools and riffles), stream reaches, segments,
and the whole catchment. Such models are intended to aid conceptualisation
of system organisation and changes in space and time, therefore
allowing for more systematic interpretation and description
of water-shed stream relationships. However, despite a wide
acceptance of the hierarchical model in relevant fields of
research, the physical existence of this hierarchical structure
is yet to be convincingly demonstrated, and the benefits of
such an approach evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of flow-related
dynamics complicate such a structure, as an infinite number
of scales and resolutions exist for examination of habitats
and processes in the highly variable stream environment. This
constitutes a significant gap in our quest towards water resource
management over the catchment scale, and assessment of decision
making on the ecosystem as a whole.
This thesis investigates the existence of a hierarchical
spatial structure in the organisation of stream habitats and
processes within catchments, and evaluates the benefits of
such a structure alongside alternative downstream relationships
with catchment variables. The study focuses on commonly assessed
habitat parameters and processes at resolutions appropriate
to stream management and restoration ventures. Anticipated
research outcomes include:-
- critical evaluation of hierarchy theory based on improved
understanding of spatial scales and thresholds in variability
relevant to common stream habitats and processes
- development of downstream relationships between habitat
parameters and processes with catchment characteristics
- recommendations for structuring future research and management
on the catchment scale
Contact
e.howes@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au |
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