A critical review of field techniques employed in the survey of large woody debris in river corridors: a central European perspective
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1830-8 |
| Field | Earth magnetism, geography |
| Keywords | large woody debris (LWD); river corridor; field techniques; sampling design; measurement error; baseline surveys |
| Description | Fallen trees have a significant impact on physical and ecological processes in fluvial ecosystems. An enormous body of literature concerning LWD in river corridors is currently available. However, synthesis and statistical treatment of the published data are hampered by the heterogeneity of methodological approaches. Likewise, the precision and accuracy of data arising out of published surveys have yet to be assessed. This contribution identifies the main methodological problems and sources of error associated with the mapping and measurement of the most frequently surveyed variables of LWD, both as individual pieces and in accumulations. We modelled variability in terms of LWD number, volume, and biomass for three geomorphologically contrasting river systems. The results appeared to be sensitive, in the main, to sampling strategy and prevailing field conditions; less variability was produced by errors of measurement. Finally, we propose a comprehensive standard field procedure for LWD surveyors, including a total of 20 variables describing spatial position, structural characteristics and the functions and dynamics of LWD. |
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