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Measuring the Surface Roughness of Stream Stones

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Abstract

Measuring the fine-scale heterogeneity of stones and other substrates is a challenge for benthic ecologists. I describe a method for measuring the roughness of stones that is based on the ratio of two surface area measurements: one that follows substrate contours and one based on a similar-sized modified spheroid. This roughness index is easily measured, assesses the entire surface of stones, and enables the measurement of replicate stones. Roughness measurements of 14 rock types demonstrated that values obtained were consistent with perceived roughness and porosity. Application of the roughness index to a published data set produced a curvilinear relationship between stone roughness and the biomass of algae in roughness-associated crevices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, 111 E. Chesapeake Street, Norman, OK, 73019, USA

    Elizabeth A. Bergey

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  1. Elizabeth A. Bergey
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Correspondence to Elizabeth A. Bergey.

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Bergey, E.A. Measuring the Surface Roughness of Stream Stones. Hydrobiologia 563, 247–252 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0016-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-006-0016-4

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