Plate 7.7 Temperature Fluctuations in Rivers and Streams, 1976–2005

Water temperature plays a decisive role in relation to the composition and development of aquatic life. The viability and activity of aquatic organisms depend on both an optimum range of temperature and extreme temperatures. The present plate deals with various long-term aspects of fluctuation in water temperature. Among other things, it addresses question of the temporal trend in phases of high temperatures and the resulting duration of potential stress for flora and fauna.