Flow velocity and morphology of a submerged patch of the aquatic species veronica anagallis-aquatica L

Loreta Cornacchia*, Sofia Licci, Johan Van De Koppel, Daphne Van Der Wal, Geraldene Wharto, Sara Puijalon, Tjeerd J. Bouma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The interaction between macrophytes and hydrodynamic conditions is an important feature in many aquatic ecosystems. Submerged macrophytes can form monospecific patches that interact with the flow and alter current velocity; within the same vegetation patch, plants are exposed to different levels of hydrodynamic stress. Due to the high morphological variability of aquatic plants, we expect different architectural and morphological traits to emerge for individuals located at different positions within the same patch. In this study, we have measured the flow velocity around a patch of Veronica anagallis-aquatica in submerged conditions and measured the morphological traits of individuals along a gradient of exposure to flow velocity within the patch. Results show that the more exposed individuals present smaller sizes than the sheltered ones, lower relative allocation to stems, higher allocation to roots and reduced water content in roots and stems. The knowledge obtained helps to clarify the role of morphological adaptations to flow stress in the context of plant-flow interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHydrodynamic and Mass Transport at Freshwater Aquatic Interfaces - 34th International School of Hydraulics
EditorsAndrea Marion, Paweł M. Rowiński
PublisherSpringer
Pages141-152
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9783319277493
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016
Event34th International School of Hydrodynamic and Mass Transport at Freshwater Aquatic Interfaces, 2015 - Zelechow, Poland
Duration: 11 May 201514 May 2015

Publication series

NameGeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Volumenone
ISSN (Print)2190-5193
ISSN (Electronic)2190-5207

Conference

Conference34th International School of Hydrodynamic and Mass Transport at Freshwater Aquatic Interfaces, 2015
Country/TerritoryPoland
CityZelechow
Period11/05/1514/05/15

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