Global changes in pampean lowland streams (Argentina):implications for biodiversity and functioning

RODRIGUES CAPÍTULO, A.; GÓMEZ, N,; GIORGI, A; FEIJOO, C.

HYDROBIOLOGIA

SPRINGER

Año: 2010 vol. 2010 p. 53 - 70

0018-8158

Abstract The rivers and streams in the pampean  plains are characterized by a low flow rate due to the low slope of the surrounding terrain, high levels of suspended solids, silty sediment in the benthos, and reduced rithron; the riparian forest of this region has  been replaced by low-altitude grasslands. Many of these  environments contain a wide coverage of aquatic reeds, both submerged and floating, making the pampas  limologically extraordinary. These terrains have under- gone a gradual transformation in response to the  progress of urbanization and agricultural activity socioeconomic changes in the pampean area, implying an increase in demand for water resources and land uses.