Variation of stream temperature among mesoscale habitats in the upper Little Tennessee River basin

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine if there are systematic differences in stream temperature between mesoscale habitats as a result of hyporheic exchange in the upper Little Tennessee River basin. Secondary objectives are to evaluate relationships between stream temperature and riparian condition and environmental controls. Data loggers were set out in 44 sites in the upper Little Tennessee River basin with ten loggers in each site: three in riffles, three in pools, three in alcoves and one in the main riffle. The temperature differences between habitat types are the opposite of what was expected in the presence of hyporheic exchange, indicating that hyporheic exchange is not a dominant driver of mesoscale habitat temperatures at these sites. Partially forested sites exhibit greater spatial variation and temperature ranges than fully forested sites, indicating that location of temperature logger placement is important in partially forested sites.