Urban development and stream ecosystem health—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2016-3026
Northeast Region Urban Landscape Capabilities Team
By: , and 

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Abstract

Urban development creates multiple stressors that can degrade stream ecosystems by changing stream hydrology, water quality, and physical habitat. Contaminants, habitat destruction, and increasing streamflow variability resulting from urban development have been associated with the disruption of biological communities, particularly the loss of sensitive aquatic biota. Understanding how algal, invertebrate, and fish communities respond to these physical and chemical stressors can provide important clues as to how streams should be managed to protect stream ecosystems as a watershed becomes increasingly urbanized. The U.S. Geological Survey continues to lead monitoring efforts and scientific studies on the effects of urban development on stream ecosystems in metropolitan areas across the United States.

Suggested Citation

U.S. Geological Survey, 2016, Urban development and stream ecosystem health—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3026, 2 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163026.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Urban development and stream ecosystem health—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2016-3026
DOI 10.3133/fs20163026
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Jersey Water Science Center
Description 2 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details