Biology ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 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)
Dr. Diane L. Marshall
Second Committee Member
Dr. Clifford N. Dahm
Third Committee Member
Dr. Rebecca J. Bixby
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. David T. Hanson
Fifth Committee Member
Dr. Caroline Scruggs
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Virginia F.. "The Impacts of Disturbance on Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes Populations of the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico." (2021). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/383
