Robinson Christopher Thomas

Ecological Assessment of Springs in the Swiss National Park

Project Number: CH-2218
Project Type: Research_Project
Project Duration: 05/01/2004 - 10/31/2004 project completed
Funding Source: EAWAG ,
Project Leader: PD Dr. Christopher Thomas Robinson
Fliessgewässerökologie, Fliessgewässersysteme
Aquatische Ökologie (ECO)
EAWAG
Überlandstrasse 133
8600 Dübendorf
Phone: +41 (0) 58 765 53 17 ; +41 (0) 58 765 51 32
FAX: +41 (0) 58 765 53 15
e-Mail: christopher.robinson(at)eawag.ch
http://www.eawag.ch/research/lim/d_index.html

related to this project.
for which the project has a relevance.


Research Areas:
Biodiversity

Disciplines:
hydrology, limnology, glaciology
environmental sciences

Keywords:
springs, ecosystem function, food webs, stoneflies, Plecoptera

Abstract:
The project is intended to gather baseline ecolgical information on a number of springs in Val Laschudura and the Swiss National Park. Data generated will be assessed in the framework of geochemical analyses previously completed on the springs. The basline data will be used to generate future research projects on selected springs, perhaps in collaboration with researchers of springs in other parks throughout Europe.

The research has two facets: one is the longitudinal development in spring metabolism and function, and the other is an assessment of the biodiversity (i.e., macroinvertebrates) of springs and the influence of spring isolation in the distribution of populations. The second part may incorporate a genetic analysis but this is uncertain at present.
Part 1 will examine whole system metabolism in conjunction with measures of primary production and sediment respiration. A number of springs (e.g., 5 different springs) will be assessed at periodic intervals throughout the study period. We also may conduct some measures of bacterial abundances in sediments.
Part 2 will assess the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in a large number of springs, with samples collected directly near the source (5-10 m below). The data will look for spatial distribution patterns in the assemblages and relate assemblage structure to the physical and chemical properties of the springs. It is possible that a species common to all springs will be assessed genetically to examine for patterns of isolation and fragmentation.

Publications:
Schmid D 2004: Ecosystem metabolism and nutrient uptake of springs in the Swiss Alps. Diplomarbeit ETH Zürcih & EAWAG

Svoboda M 2004: Food webs in Alpine spring systems in the Swiss National Park. Diplomarbeit ETH Zürcih & EAWAG






Last update: 12/23/16
Source of data: ProClim- Research InfoSystem (1993-2024)
Update the data of project: CH-2218

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