Riparian gravel banks of upland and lowland rivers in Victoria (south-east Australia): arthropod community structure and life-history patterns along a longitudinal gradient

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volker W. Framenau ◽  
Randolf Manderbach ◽  
Martin Baehr
Keyword(s):  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Wolf Spider ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Lowland Rivers ◽  
One Year ◽  
Typical Habitat ◽  
Sand And Gravel

Riparian sand and gravel banks are inhabited by a fauna that is well adapted to varying river water levels and frequent inundation of the banks. Arthropods found in these habitats were studied from November 1998 to January 1999 in the upper and lower floodplains of the main rivers and tributaries in ten major catchments in the Victorian Alps. Wolf spiders (Lycosidae, 68%) and ground beetles (Carabidae, 7.8%) were the most abundant arthropods, with densities averaging 14.6 ± 1.8 (s.e.) and 2.3 ± 0.4 individuals m–2 respectively. Species composition and wolf spider densities changed substantially between upland and lowland rivers. These differences correspond with changes in altitude, shading, and gravel and gravel bank size. Comparison of our results with similar studies conducted in temperate Northern Hemisphere floodplains showed significant differences. Carabidae, not Lycosidae, are the dominant arthropod group in Northern Hemisphere floodplains. Wolf spider densities are higher in upper than lower reaches of rivers in the Victorian Alps, but do not change along rivers in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, carabid beetles showed similar densities between upland and lowland floodplains in Victoria, but increase in density along rivers in the Northern Hemisphere. A second, monthly sampling program on gravel banks along the Avon River (Gippsland) over a one-year period in 1996 and 1997 provided information on the life histories of eight common gravel-bank arthropods: Venatrix lapidosa, V. arenaris, two undescribed Artoria species (‘A’, ‘B’) (Lycosidae), Eudalia macleayi, Elaphropus ovensensis, Perileptus constricticeps and an unidentified Loxandrus species (‘B’) (Carabidae). Artoria sp. A and sp. B are diplochronous. Despite its smaller size, Artoria sp. B matured one month after Artoria sp. A. Lower temperatures at upland streams and rivers, the typical habitat for Artoria sp. B, may delay its development in comparison with Artoria sp. A, which is generally found further downstream. The life histories of both lycosid spiders and carabid beetles, characterised by prolonged reproductive period and short larval development, appear to have some adaptive value in regard to the disturbance-prone environment.

scholarly journals Mollusc fisheries and length–weight relationship in Tonle Sap flood pulse system, Cambodia

2018 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Bun Ngor ◽  
Ratha Sor ◽  
Leang Hour Prak ◽  
Nam So ◽  
Zeb S. Hogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Annual Variation ◽  
Flood Pulse ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Relationship Analysis ◽  
Weight Relationship ◽  
Daily Data ◽  
Tonle Sap ◽  
Mollusc Species ◽  
One Year

Molluscs are important for ecological function, livelihoods and fisheries, but are often forgotten in research and management. Here, we investigated intra-annual variation in the landing and growth patterns of three mollusc species, i.e., Corbicula moreletiana, Pila virescens and Pila ampullacea, using one-year daily data on landing catches and values, recorded in Kampong Chhnang province of Tonle Sap (TS) Lake. Overall, 8330 tonnes with a first sale landing value of US$ 1.4 million for the three species were reported. Also, we found that C. moreletiana was abundant during the dry season with high temperature and less precipitation. By contrast, the two Pila species were abundant from the early rainy to early dry seasons when precipitation and water levels increase. The length–weight relationship analysis indicated that a faster growth in weight of Pila species occurred in the rainy season, and a general negative allometric growth was observed for the three species. This implies that their populations were intensively fished. Our preliminary results suggest that molluscs in the TS Lake (i) are important resources in support of people's livelihoods, (ii) respond differently to intra-annual variation in temperature, precipitation and hydrology and (iii) are being intensively exploited with significant reduction in growth rate. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further comprehensive research describing status of mollusc stocks and their ecology to support long-term management and conservation of this important aquatic fauna. Our study contributes to establishing the first important baseline data and information on key mollusc species for the TS.

scholarly journals Simulation and Assessment of Groundwater for Domestic and Irrigation Uses

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 1877-1892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Rodhan Hussain ◽  
Basim Sh. Abed
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Water Quality Assessment ◽  
Alluvial Fan ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Specific Yield ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Steady State Condition ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
One Year

The alluvial fan of Mandali located between latitude 30˚45’00” N longitude 45˚30’00” E in east of Diyala Governorate, Iraq. Thirty-five wells were identified in the study area with average depth of 84 m and estimated area of 21550 ha. A three-dimensional conceptual model was prepared by using GMS program. From wells cross sections, four geological layers have been identified. The hydraulic conductivity of these layers was calculated for steady state condition, where the water levels for nine wells distributed over the study area were observed at same time. Afterward, PEST facility in the GMS was used to estimate the aquifer hydraulic characteristics. Other characteristics such as storage coefficient and specific yield have been determined from one year field observations that were collected by General Authority of Groundwater, Diyala Governorate. Also, the observations were used for calibration of unsteady state model. Then wells were hypothetically redistributed and increased to 103 wells, assuming a distance of 1500 m between the wells, a well productivity rate of were 7 l/s, annual rainfall rate was used for recharging. Three different wells operating times were suggested and these 6, 12, and 18 hr/day with total discharge of 150, 300, 450 m3/day and maximum drawdown of 7, 11, and 20 m respectively. For water quality assessment, the collected groundwater samples were analysed at the laboratory.  Results showed that the TDS in all wells was ranged from 1000-3000 mg/l but TDS in well number 18 was exceeded 3000 mg/l which indicate that the groundwater in this well is not recommended to be used for irrigation. According to Iraqi standard for drink (IQS 2009), it can be used for drinking if saline treatment units were provided.

scholarly journals The problems of overexploitation of aquifers in semi-arid areas: the Murcia Region and the Segura Basin (South-east Spain) case

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 5729-5756 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Rodríguez-Estrella
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Karstic Aquifer ◽  
Autonomous Region ◽  
Groundwater Reserves ◽  
One Year ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Overexploited Aquifer ◽  
Poor Management

Abstract. A general analysis of the problems arising from aquifer exploitation in semi-arid areas such as the Autonomous Region of Murcia, which belongs to the Segura Basin is presented, with particular reference to the Ascoy-Sopalmo aquifer, which is the most overexploited aquifer in Spain. It has suffered intense overabstraction over the last forty years, given renewable water resources of 2 Mm3 yr−1 and abstractions amounting to as much as 55 Mm3 yr−1. This has resulted in the drying of springs, continuous drawdown of water levels (5 m yr−1); piezometric drops (over 30 m in one year, as a consequence of it being a karstic aquifer); increase in pumping costs (elevating water from more than 320 m depth); abandoning of wells (45 reduced to 20), diminishing groundwater reserves, and deteriorating water quality (progressing from a mixed sodium bicarbonate-chloride facies to a sodium chloride one). This is a prime example of poor management with disastrous consequences. In this sense, a series of internal measures is proposed to alleviate the overexploitation of this aquifer and of the Segura Basin, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable future.

scholarly journals Ground Penetrating Radar Investigation of Late Pleistocene Shorelines of Pluvial Lake Clover, Elko County, Nevada, USA

Quaternary ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Munroe
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Beach Ridge ◽  
Beach Ridges ◽  
Sand And Gravel ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Topographic Surveys

Beach ridges constructed by pluvial Lake Clover in Elko County, Nevada during the Late Pleistocene were investigated with ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The primary objective was to document the internal architecture of these shorelines and to evaluate whether they were constructed during lake rise or fall. GPR data were collected with a ground-coupled 400-Mhz antenna and SIR-3000 controller. To constrain the morphology of the ridges, detailed topographic surveys were collected with a Topcon GTS-235W total station referenced to a second class 0 vertical survey point. GPR transects crossed the beach ridge built by Lake Clover at its highstand of 1725 m, along with seven other ridges down to the lowest beach at 1712 m. An average dielectric permittivity of 5.0, typical for dry sand and gravel, was calculated from GPR surveys in the vicinity of hand-excavations that encountered prominent stratigraphic discontinuities at known depths. Assuming this value, consistent radar signals were returned to a depth of ~3 m. Beach ridges are resolvable as ~90 to 150-cm thick stratified packages of gravelly sand overlying a prominent lakeward-dipping reflector, interpreted as the pre-lake land surface. Many ridges contain a package of sediment resembling a buried berm at their core, typically offset in a landward direction from the geomorphic crest of the beach ridge. Sequences of lakeward-dipping reflectors are resolvable beneath the beach face of all ridges. No evidence was observed to indicate that beach ridges were submerged by higher water levels after their formation. Instead, the GPR data are consistent with a model of sequential ridge formation during a monotonic lake regression.

Comparative Life Histories of 2 Species of Notonomus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Victoria

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Horne
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Larval Development ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Peak Activity

The distributions and life histories of two species of carabid beetles, Notonomus gravis and Notonomus philippi, are compared. N. gravis inhabits the western grassland plains of Victoria and N. philippi inhabits woodland in the Otway Ranges and areas east of Melbourne. Adults of both species show peak activity in summer after emergence, with larval development from autumn to spring. The development of N. philippi occurs approximately one month earlier than that of N. gravis. Both species readily accept larval Lepidoptera as food, are nocturnal and are the dominant carabids in their respective habitats. N. gravis has potential as a biological control agent, and the carabid communities may be used as environmental indicators.

scholarly journals Methanotrophic activity and diversity in different <i>Sphagnum magellanicum</i> dominated habitats in the southernmost peat bogs of Patagonia

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Kip ◽  
C. Fritz ◽  
E. S. Langelaan ◽  
Y. Pan ◽  
L. Bodrossy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Peat Bogs ◽  
Oxidation Activity ◽  
Moss Species ◽  
Sphagnum Mosses ◽  
Methane Concentrations ◽  
Sphagnum Magellanicum

Abstract. Sphagnum peatlands are important ecosystems in the methane cycle. Methanotrophs living inside the dead hyaline cells or on the Sphagnum mosses are able to act as a methane filter and thereby reduce methane emissions. We investigated in situ methane concentrations and the corresponding activity and diversity of methanotrophs in different Sphagnum dominated bog microhabitats. In contrast to the Northern Hemisphere peat ecosystems the temperate South American peat bogs are dominated by one moss species; Sphagnum magellanicum. This permitted a species-independent comparison of the different bog microhabitats. Potential methane oxidizing activity was found in all Sphagnum mosses sampled and a positive correlation was found between activity and in situ methane concentrations. Substantial methane oxidation activity (23 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) was found in pool mosses and could be correlated with higher in situ methane concentrations (>35 μmol CH4 l−1 pore water). Little methanotrophic activity (<0.5 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) was observed in living Sphagnum mosses from lawns and hummocks. Methane oxidation activity was relatively high (>4 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) in Sphagnum litter at depths around the water levels and rich in methane. The total bacterial community was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the methanotrophic communities were studied using a pmoA microarray and a complementary pmoA clone library. The methanotrophic diversity was similar in the different habitats of this study and comparable to the methanotrophic diversity found in peat mosses from the Northern Hemisphere. The pmoA microarray data indicated that both alpha- and gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs were present in all Sphagnum mosses, even in those mosses with a low initial methane oxidation activity. Prolonged incubation of Sphagnum mosses from lawn and hummock with methane revealed that the methanotrophic community present was viable and showed an increased activity within 15 days. The high abundance of methanotrophic Methylocystis species in the most active mosses suggests that these might be responsible for the bulk of methane oxidation.

INFLUENCE OF COLLECTIVE FEEDING ON WEIGHT GAIN AND SIZE VARIABILITY OF ANELOSIMUS JABAQUARA LEVI 1956 (ARANEAE: THERIDIIDAE)

Behaviour ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 139 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1431-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo De Oliveira Gonzaga ◽  
João Vasconcellos-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Prey Size ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Size Variability ◽  
One Year

AbstractDifferences in the size and weight of spiders within colonies may be an important factor for determining dispersion and food distribution among nestmates. In this study we report on the variation in size of spiders from 27 colonies of A. jabaquara, collected during one year. We also conducted an experiment under laboratory conditions to test if prey size, and consequently, collective or individual capture behaviours, influence the establishment of weight differences. Female size variation within colonies was high, increasing slightly from March to September. However, from November to January the variation was much lower, probably as a consequence of the emigration of large spiders during the reproductive period. Spiders that fed on large flies in the laboratory experiment grew more and collective feeding seemed to induce a larger variation in weight among individuals. These results indicate that collective feeding promotes an unequal distribution of food in A. jabaquara colonies.

The Life History and Post Embryonic Development of the Copepods, Calanus tonsus Brady and Euchaeta japonica Marukawa

1934 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mildred H. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
Strait Of Georgia ◽  
Deep Water Species ◽  
One Year ◽  
Development Proceeds ◽  
Water Species ◽  
Reserve Food

Calanus tonsus Brady is an abundant, deep water species in the strait of Georgia. Development is characterized by a distinct metamorphosis and the six nauplius and six copepodid stages are described. The life cycle extends over one year and breeding occurs in the spring at the surface. The nauplii and early copepodid stages are soon replaced by stage V which dominates the plankton from May to December. C. tonsus exists as an adult for approximately two months—January and February. Maturity is accompanied by marked degeneration of the mouth parts in both sexes, death following shortly. The retrograde development appears associated with a change in habits. Stage V stores up reserve food, and the mature females with the disappearance of feeding devices depend upon this accumulated food during the reproductive period. Euchaeta japonica Marukawa occurs in limited numbers in the deep water of the strait of Georgia. It undergoes a similar metamorphosis to C. tonsus and the twelve stages are described. There is no definite spawning period but reproduction occurs throughout the year in deep water where development proceeds. Several broods may be produced by one female but the males are believed to die shortly after copulation. The nauplii differ from those of C. tonsus due to larger size, slight increase in length from stage I to stage VI and retarded development of the appendages. The conspicuous feature of the copepodid development is the extreme degeneration of the male mouth parts.

scholarly journals Use of Thermal Imaging to Assess Water Status in Citrus Plants in Greenhouses

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Gustavo Haddad Souza Vieira ◽  
Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Sweet Orange ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Canopy Temperature ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Thermal Images ◽  
One Year

The direct examination of plant canopy temperature can assist in optimizing citrus irrigation management in greenhouses. This study aimed to develop a method to measure canopy temperature using thermal imaging in one-year-old citrus plants in a greenhouse to identify plants with water stress and verify its potential to be used as a tool to assess citrus water status. The experiment was conducted for 48 days (27 November 2019 to 13 January 2020). We evaluated the influence of five levels of irrigation on two citrus species (‘Red Ruby’ grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)). Images were taken using a portable thermal camera and analyzed using open-source software. We determined canopy temperature, leaf photosynthesis and transpiration, and plant biomass. The results indicated a positive relationship between the amount of water applied and the temperature response of plants exposed to different water levels. Grapefruit and sweet orange plants that received less water and were submitted to water restrictions showed higher canopy temperatures than the air (up to 6 °C). The thermal images easily identified water-stressed plants. Our proof-of-concept study allowed quickly obtaining the canopy temperature using readily available equipment and can be used as a tool to assess citrus water status in one-year-old citrus plants in greenhouses and perhaps in commercial operations with mature trees in the field after specific experimentation. This technique, coupled with an automated system, can be used for irrigation scheduling. Thus, setting up a limit temperature is necessary to start the irrigation system and set the irrigation time based on the soil water content. To use this process on a large scale, it is necessary to apply an automation routine to process the thermal images in real time and remove the weeds from the background to determine the canopy temperature.

scholarly journals Life histories of three Serrulinini species (Stylommatophora: Clausiliidae) from Georgia kept under laboratory conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sulikowska-Drozd ◽  
Levan Mumladze
Keyword(s):  
Generation Time ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Laboratory Culture ◽  
Homogeneous Distribution ◽  
Calcite Crystal ◽  
Coastal Regions ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
Life History Data ◽  
One Year

The Serrulinini, a small relict group of clausiliids occurring in coastal regions of the Black and Caspian Seas and the Caucasus, are currently classified within the Phaedusinae, however paraphyletic origin of the Serrulinini is also widely debated with Pontophaedusa funiculum (Mousson) being most phylogenetically distinct from other taxa. As life history data may have taxonomical value, we conducted long-term observations in laboratory culture to assess reproductive modes, fecundity and growth pattern of three serruline species. Caspiophaedusa perlucens (O. Boettger) and Pravispira semilamellata (Mousson) produced partly calcified eggs with regular, spiral arrangement of crystals; their juveniles hatched after 17–18 days; the generation time was long and significantly exceeded one year. P. funiculum laid heavily calcified, elongated eggs. The incubation time in P. funiculum varied depending on the humidity, with a tendency towards short embryo-retention. The generation time in P. funiculum was one year. In all the studied species, egg calcification differed from the pattern common for other oviparous Phaedusinae which produce partly calcified eggs with homogeneous distribution of crystals. The calcite crystal distribution in the egg membranes reported here for the Serrulinini suggests some potential of these characters in phylogenetic context.

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