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Is our finger on the pulse? Global analysis reveals biases in the streamflow gage network
Citation:
Krabbenhoft, C., C. Franklin, R. Hale, T. Datry, H. Beck, A. Burgin, K. Costigan, G. Allen, A. DelVecchia, D. Allen, J. Olden, P. Lin, S. Godsey, K. Fritz, C. Jones, M. Mims, W. Dodds, R. Burrows, A. Ruhi, M. Shanafield, A. Ward, S. Zipper, AND M. Zimmer. Is our finger on the pulse? Global analysis reveals biases in the streamflow gage network. 2021 Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, Virtual, May 23 - 27, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of the study was to see to what extent streamflow gage placement are biased and if so, in what ways. Gages were disproportionately placed on large, perennial, regulated rivers that drained watershed with high human populations and footprints. Streamflow gages were underrepresented in non-perennial, smaller streams, and in desert and polar regions. Biased streamflow data collection leads to a skewed view of river systems, including their management, protection, and restoration. The results should be considered in future strategic placement of new streamflow gages.
Description:
Streamflow gages are paramount for understanding the function and management of freshwater ecosystems. Globally, gages are distributed sparsely along rivers and streams, and may not capture the full hydrological, morphological, and environmental diversity of fluvial systems. Here we evaluate whether a global network of river gages (n=17,406) accurately represents the global diversity of river flow regimes, channel morphology, river size, physiographic conditions, and anthropogenic stressors. Multivariate analyses of stream reach attributes indicated that gage placement is biased toward large, perennial rivers with a high degree of human impact. We also find that gages are sparsely distributed in protected areas and in arid regions with non-perennial flow regimes. As a result, landscape diversity and anthropogenic factors that influence the global stream network are not adequately represented by the existing gage network. Furthermore, underrepresented river and stream types are those typically identified as critical to freshwater conservation efforts. This disparity impacts our ability to make accurate hydrological projections or informed conservation and water management decisions based on gage datasets and underscores the need to consider landscape heterogeneity in global gage placement.