Abstract
Hydrological river-floodplain connectivity is a fundamental ecological process disrupted by alteration to natural river flow, adversely impacting ecosystem functioning. Benefits associated with prolonged floodplain inundation are well known, however, knowledge is limited regarding the ecological response of short-duration river-floodplain connectivity. This thesis examines the lateral flow-ecology relationships in an intermittent tropical river that floods briefly and is threatened by development, the Fitzroy River in northwestern Australia. This thesis demonstrates that floodplain benefits observed in systems with prolonged river-floodplain connectivity are still likely to arise in systems with brief flooding, though the strength of such benefits may vary through space and time.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 28 Oct 2024 |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2024 |