The effects of climate change on ecologically-relevant flow regime and water quality attributes

• DOI: 10.1007/s00477-013-0744-8
• Publication Date: 2013-06-10T02:57:50Z
• Authors: Fiona Dyer; Sondoss ElSawah; Barry Croke; Rachael Griffiths; Evan Harrison; Paloma Lucena-Moya; Anthony Jakeman
• Keywords: River ecosystem; Freshwater ecosystem

The management of freshwater ecosystems is usually targeted through the regulation water quantity (limiting diversions and providing environmental flows) quality (setting limits or targets for constituent concentrations). Climate change likely to affect in multiple ways future requires predictions plausible conditions. We use a suite ecologically-relevant hydrological indicators determine significance projected climate-driven changes Upper Murrumbidgee River Catchment south eastern Australia relation river regulation. also possible (in guidelines aquatic ecosystem protection) associated with climate projections identify combined effects changes. results this study suggest that has resulted greater streamflow characteristics than scenarios involve 1 2 °C temperature rise Catchment. In contrast changes, Bayesian Network modelling suggests very small violations thresholds designed protect as result change. By identifying key components flow regimes may be affected by change, we are able provide managers information assists developing adaptation initiatives.