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Temperature
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Water temperature is a major controlling factor for all aquatic life. There is a narrow temperature band at which cold blooded animals can live and if stream temperatures increase, decrease or fluctuate too widely, this can severely affect the metabolic activities of these organisms. Temperature affects the amount of dissolved oxygen and salmonids require high oxygen levels. They can only live in cool temperature environments with high oxygen concentrations. |
Table I: Temperature Ranges ( Approximate) Required for Certain Organisms
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Temperature |
Examples of Life |
| Greater than 20 degrees C (warm water) |
Much plant life, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, catfish, leeches, caddisfly |
| Middle range (12-20 degrees C) |
Some plant life, trout, stonefly, mayfly, caddisfly, water beetles |
| Low range Less than 12 degrees C |
Trout, caddisfly, stonefly, mayflies all thrive |
Materials:
Armored thermometers hung from a string which can be held into the water work very well. They can take being banged around and last a long time in the field. However, any type of thermometer that gives accurate and consistent readings will suffice.
Procedure:
1. Temperatures along a stream site should be taken at least 10-15 feet
apart at two different locations. Leave the thermometer in the water for
at least 30 seconds and read it while still in the water if possible. The change
in temperature should be determined. A significant difference in
temperature is an indication of possible problems which impact fish, and low
temperatures will coincide, most likely, with lower dissolved oxygen levels.
For information on the Washington Virtual Classroom or this website contact Sherry Schaaf at sschaaf@esd114.wednet.edu
