Abstract |
The primary purpose was to establish whether or not mining activity or flooding would affect levels of vegetation and animal life in a sub-arctic stream. The majority of samples taken were in riffle areas, not throughout the whole stream system. Small mining operations do not appear to adversely affect the fauna. Additionally, extreme flooding (Fairbanks, Alaska - August 1967) does not seem to have destroyed bottom dwelling organisms, as the levels in 1968 indicated complete recovery. However, there is every indication that parameters such as pH, DO, temperature, and basic productivity as it relates to these, would be definitely changed when exposed to a large scale operation or high organic overburden. (WRSIC Abstract) |