Beaver dams keeps streams cool and protect sensitive fish

new study on beaver dams

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2131485-beaver-dams-keeps-streams-cool-and-protect-sensitive-fish/


Beaver dams keeps streams cool and protect sensitive fish

Dam, what a find! Beaver dams could lower maximum water temperatures in streams – keeping temperature-sensitive fish safe from dangerous highs.

Previous studies suggested that beaver dams warm up the water, for example by expanding the water’s surface area, cutting the speed of water flow and removing shade by felling trees.

Now, a team led by Nicholas Weber from Eco-Logical Research Inc. in the US has shown that the opposite may be the case.

In low-flow times when water temperatures are presumably most critical, I would expect more downstream flow by seepage through the dam than overtop flow; thus, the coldest water in the pond will be filling the stream.