Observed Patterns in Stream Temperature and Flow in United States Rivers

Abstract:

Scientists have studied stream flow generation for centuries and groundwater-surface water interaction for decades. Much of this work has focused on discrete regions and individual or clusters of watersheds. Significant progress has been made, and the recent availability of streamflow and temperature data at high temporal resolution across the US now permits the analysis of data to illustrate patterns across a continuum of landscapes. In this work, we report on summary statistics and preliminary observations of fluctuations in stream temperature and how they relate to stream flow characteristics across the coterminous United States. The impact of the basin’s hydroclimatology, geomorphology, and water infrastructure on stream temperature dynamics are highlighted. Through this investigation, we gain insight into the mechanisms that modulate both temperature and flow across landscapes. Our research seeks to both inform physical process understanding and reveal unexpected patterns.