Water Temperature

Water temperature is an important physical property of every river and stream. Many plants, animals, and other organisms [blank] in streams can flourish only in a specific range of water temperatures. Temperature can affect certain aspects of water quality. For example, higher temperatures reduce levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, which can negatively [blank] the growth and productivity of aquatic life. Persistently warmer temperatures in streams can accelerate natural chemical reactions and release excess nutrients into the water. Temperatures can [blank] naturally along the length of a stream, from cold temperatures near a source of meltwater to higher temperatures near its outlet to the sea. The temperature at any given point is a product of many different factors, including sources of water, the amount of water in the stream, air temperature, plants along the bank, and the [blank] of development within the watershed. Over time, however, an area's climate has the strongest natural influence on a stream's temperature.