Variability in stream ecosystem response to urbanization: Unraveling the influences of physiography and urban land and water management

Abstract

The geomorphic and ecological degradation of streams resulting from urbanization is well recognized. Recent reviews have hypothesized variability in ecological response to urbanization among stream types and among regions with varying climate and catchment soil and geology. Testing such hypotheses will be aided by the use of consistent metrics of the primary processes that drive urban-induced degradation of streams. We thus developed an urban typology distinguishing the common classes of urban land and water management that are hypothesized to have different effects on stream ecosystems. In developing the typology, we identify and emphasize the importance of step changes (thresholds) in the ..