Biology ETDs

Publication Date

5-16-2021

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the effects of disturbance (a catastrophic forest fire and decadal-level multi-day flood) on populations of submerged aquatic macrophytes (SAMs) in the streams and rivers of the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, USA. Research conducted and reported in this dissertation addresses the following research questions: 1.) What factors influence the presence or absence of SAMs in Jemez Mountain streams? 2.) How does disturbance (catastrophic wildfire and decadal-level flood) change the amount of aboveground SAM biomass? and 3.) How does that disturbance change the nutrient content (%C, %N, %P) and nutrient stoichiometry of SAMs? These disturbance events had significant effects on the biomass, nutrient content and nutrient stoichiometry of SAM tissues. The research illustrates the effects that environmental factors of various physical and temporal scales can have on the phenology and physiology of this key primary producer.

Language

English

Keywords

aquatic ecology, macrophytes, New Mexico, primary production, disturbance

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Diane L. Marshall

Second Committee Member

Clifford N. Dahm

Third Committee Member

Rebecca J. Bixby

Fourth Committee Member

David T. Hanson

Fifth Committee Member

Caroline Scruggs

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