Stabilising effects of karstic groundwater on stream fish communities

Although groundwater exchange processes are known to modulate atmospheric influences on stream temperature and flow, the implications for ecological stability are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated temporal change in stream fish communities across a gradient of groundwater influence defined by karst terrain (carbonate parent materials) within the Potomac River basin of eastern North America. We surveyed 12 sites in 2022 that had been sampled 29-30 years previously with similar methods. We also collected stream temperature data from each site and used the regression slope of the air-water temperature relationship to index stream thermal sensitivity and groundwater exchange processes. Sites in karst terrain exhibited strong groundwater controls on stream temperature, and fish communities were more stable over time in these locations than elsewhere. However, stream thermal sensitivity was a stronger predictor of species persistence than the spatial distribution of karst terrain in contributing areas, highlighting the ecological importance of local variation in groundwater discharge processes. The presence of calcium precipitates (marl) in stream substrates was associated with low thermal sensitivity and ecological stability over time, and we suggest such visible features may be a useful indicator of climate change refugia in stream ecosystems.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of karst terrain on stream fish communities and found that karst terrain plays a crucial role in regulating stream temperature, resulting in more stable fish communities compared to other areas. However, stream thermal sensitivity was a stronger predictor of species persistence, highlighting the importance of local variation in groundwater discharge processes. The presence of calcium precipitates (marl) in stream substrates was associated with low thermal sensitivity and ecological stability over time, suggesting it may serve as an indicator of climate change refugia in stream ecosystems.