The Hindu Kush-Himalayan region - River hydrology (3/3)
 |  |
Characteristic riverbed substrata of two stream types in Bhutan. The riverbed substrata of each stream type are controlled by a specific combination of channel slope, flow velocity, and discharge. These factors determine the particle size deposited on the channel bottom or composition of material entering the river from the riparian area (e. g., logs, branches, and leaves). Riverbed mineral (e. g., bedrock, boulders, pebble, gravel, and sand) and organic material (e. g., logs, branches, and leaves) are potential habitats for aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Finally, one can conclude that different stream types exhibit a characteristic macroinvertebrate community. Photos: K.L. Rapten |
|