The Atna River

This volume presents a unique set of time series data concerning the environmental and biological dynamics of a pristine alpine-boreal river system in Norway. A simultaneous collection of data on climate, hydrology, erosion, water chemistry, primary production, invertebrates and fish provides an unusual insight into the ecology of a watercourse characteristic of this region of north-western Europe.

Individual papers present data collected over 14 years, which provides an opportunity to understand the natural dynamics in a system with very little direct influence from human activities. The results indicate a level of variation that should be expected in natural systems, and provides a solid basis for a discussion of the best approach to the monitoring of biological diversity and environmental factors in rivers and lakes.

The volume is aimed at researchers working with watershed management and aquatic sciences. It provides useful information and experiences of particular relevance to the implementation of the EU Frame Directive for Water.

Inhalt
to the Atna research area.- The climate of Atndalen.- Hydrology of Lake Atnsjøen and River Atna.- Erosion and sediment yield in the Atna river basin.- Fish distribution in a mountain area in south-eastern Norway: human introductions overrule natural immigration.- Periphyton in running waters long-term studies of natural variation.- Studies of aquatic insects in the Atna River 19872002.- Age and growth of Siberian sculpin (Cottus poecilopus) and young brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a subalpine Norwegian river.- Niche overlap between young brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Siberian sculpin (Cottus poecilopus) in a subalpine Norwegian river.- Some physical and chemical characteristics of Lake Atnsjøen.- The phytoplankton of Lake Atnsjøen, Norway a long-term investigation.- Zooplankton in Lake Atnsjøen 19851997.- Annual variability in the life-history characteristics of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in a subalpine Norwegian lake.- A 14-year study of habitat use and diet of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in Lake Atnsjøen, a subalpine Norwegian lake.- Long term monitoring and research in an alpineboreal watershed: Atndalen in perspective.