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A multi-scale analysis and classification of the hydrogeomorphological characteristics of Irish headwater streams

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Abstract

We present a spatially hierarchical, hydrogeomorphological stream classification, based on data collected in Ireland and reflecting our hypothesis that local (site scale) stream physical habitat characteristics are related to the physical properties of the extended reach within which a site is located, and, in turn, to the physical character of the catchment. Using a top-down approach, data on catchment, reach and site-scale stream physical properties were collected for 42 Irish headwater streams. The summary catchment properties (rock type, topography, soil type and hydrology) were extracted from secondary sources. Reach-scale physical controls on stream hydrogeomorphology (planform, gradient, degree of confinement, bed material) were assembled mainly from secondary sources. Site-scale information on the stream physical habitat mosaic was collected by field survey. Data analysis identified six new ‘River Types’ for steep mountain streams that extend a pre-existing classification system developed for English streams and rivers. Five of the new types with sufficient replication were associated with ‘indicator’ habitats and characteristic habitat assemblages. The classification method is simple to apply and so it is suitable for operational use. We believe that it is applicable beyond Ireland and England to other areas of northern and western Europe with similar climate−landscape conditions.

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Data availability

The data generated and analysed in this publication are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This research is funded as part of the Irish Environmental Protection Agency Research Programme 2014-2020 (contract 2017-W-LS-14). The programme is financed by the Irish Government. It is administered on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment by the EPA, which has the statutory function of co-ordinating and promoting environmental research.

Funding

The funded was provided by Irish Environmental Protection Agency (Grant No. 2017-W-LS-14).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biology and Environmental Science, and UCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Edward J. Cox & Mary Kelly-Quinn

  2. School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

    Angela M. Gurnell

  3. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK

    Michael J. Bowes

  4. Centre for Water Resources Research, Civil Engineering Department, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Michael Bruen, Sinéad C. Hogan & John J. O’Sullivan

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  1. Edward J. Cox
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Correspondence to Edward J. Cox.

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Cox, E.J., Gurnell, A.M., Bowes, M.J. et al. A multi-scale analysis and classification of the hydrogeomorphological characteristics of Irish headwater streams. Hydrobiologia 850, 3391–3418 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-05013-5

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