Drought impacts on stream ecosystem functioning (DRiStream) project

drought

The DRI-STREAM project - Drought Impacts on Stream Ecosystem Functioning – uses novel mesocosm experiments to explore the resilience and vulnerability of freshwaters ecosystems to drought and water scarcity, with a view to understanding and predicting the ecological impacts of future climate change, including more extreme events. 

Stream samplingThis NERC funded research is led by the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London, and engages an active stakeholder community.

The research team is investigating the effects of hydrologic drought on a range of freshwater organisms (algae, macrophytes, invertebrates and fish) and the complex food webs they sustain. We’re also exploring how extreme low flows alter a range of ecological (primary production, organic matter decomposition, predation) and biogeochemical processes. 

Over the next three years, we’ll be posting information on fieldwork, our new mesocosm facilities, experiments, research findings and future plans. Keep up to date with our progress by following us on Twitter.

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