Biological colonization processes of coastal
streams
This study is one of the first true ecosystem studies in that it is designed to study the
succession of biological stream colonization. A multi-disciplined approach
is being taken to study every aspect of stream colonization. Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve (GBNPP), Alaska, provides an ideal living laboratory because, due to rapid
glacial recession, there are a number of similar-sized streams in the area of varying
ages. This serves as a surrogate for time. The basic experimental design, then is to
measure a wide variety of physical and biological variables at a number of streams
representing different successional stages. By measuring numerous characteristics, we can
detect interactions between different ecosystem components and determine the critical
stages of succession.
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