Heterogeneity Matters: Aggregation Bias of Gas Transfer Velocity Versus Energy Dissipation Rate Relations in Streams.
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ABSTRACT: The gas transfer velocity, k , modulates gas fluxes across air-water interfaces in rivers. While the theory postulates a local scaling law between k and the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate ε , empirical studies usually interpret this relation at the reach-scale. Here, we investigate how local k(ε) laws can be integrated along heterogeneous reaches exploiting a simple hydrodynamic model, which links stage and velocity to the local slope. The model is used to quantify the relative difference between the gas transfer velocity of a heterogeneous stream and that of an equivalent homogeneous system. We show that this aggregation bias depends on the exponent of the local scaling law, b , and internal slope variations. In high-energy streams, where b>1 , spatial heterogeneity of ε significantly enhances reach-scale values of k as compared to homogeneous settings. We conclude that small-scale hydro-morphological traits bear a profound impact on gas evasion from inland waters.
SUBMITTER: Botter G
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9286590 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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