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.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Title | Urban development and stream ecosystem health—Science capabilities of the U.S. Geological Survey |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20163026 |
| Authors | Pamela A. Reilly, Zoltan Szabo, James F. Coles |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Fact Sheet |
| Series Number | 2016-3026 |
| Index ID | fs20163026 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | New Jersey Water Science Center |