EAWAG news 54e: The Ecology of Alpine Streams

The raw beauty of the alpine life zone, present on all continents, has long held the fascination of geographers and naturalists. Scientific work in alpine tundra has focused on glaciology, hydrology, terrestrial ecology and climatology, with surprisingly little previous research on stream ecology. We initiated a comprehensive study of alpine stream ecology involving a year-round sampling program. Our findings demonstrate much greater levels of environmental heterogeneity than previously reported and document the major roles of floodplain dynamics and groundwater aquifers in structuring habitat conditions. In glacial streams, optimal conditions for biological activity occur during late autumn/ early winter.