The influence of environmental variables on the distribution of diatom communities in an alpine proglacial stream, Taillon-Babiétous catchment, french Pyrénées

Abstract

Algae are important components of stream ecosystems but their distribution in alpine streams has received little attention. We studied diatom communities within a small alpine glacierized catchment (Taillon-Gabiétous, French Pyrénées) to explore longitudinal patterns in diatom genera and identify principal physicochemical habitat variables determining distributions. Diatoms, hydrochemical and physical habitat data were collected from four sites along the Taillon Glacier stream and one site on a groundwater fed tributary (Tourettes) between July-August, 2002 (peak glacial melt). Diatom genera increased from three at the glacier snout to 13 approximately 1.2 km downstream, influenced predominantly by increased water temperature, channel stability and conductivity. Cymbella, Fragilaria and Navicula dominated at all sites. Cocconeis was relatively abundant in the Tourettes groundwater stream where higher water temperature may have enhanced colonisation.