Response of stream benthos and drift to fine sediment deposition versus transport

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the responses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to experimental additions of fine sediments into riffles having a flow with either low tractive force so the sediments were deposited or sufficient tractive force to transport the added sediments. Sediment deposition had no measurable impact on most taxa, the only negative effects being significantly higher drift rates and lower benthic densities for Paraleptophlebia. Sediment transport by saltation created a physical disturbance that reduced total benthic densities by >50% in 24 h and significantly influenced macroinvertebrate community composition. Changes in the benthic community were the result of catastrophic drift, and distinct immediate and delayed responses of diurnal drift to the saltating sediments were evident. Taxa with the immediate drift response resided predominantly at the substrate surface and were instantaneously exposed to scouring as sediments were added. Macroinvertebrates showing th...

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