The River Continuum Concept

The River Continuum Concept is a testable hypothesis proposed by Vannote et al 1980 that suggests consistent, observable patterns of community structure and function along the length of a natural, unperturbed river.

Stream Course {Rehashed from Anatomy of a River}
A river's total expanse (or stream course) can be transected across its longitudinal dimensions. These sections and their characteristics reflect their chronological designation. The chronology is tied to the unidirectional flow of a river, begging at its source in the upper course, passing through the middle course, and finally terminating in the lower course. These stream reaches are similarly personified, the upper reaches being described as youthful, the middle reaches, mature, and the lower reaches, old. The parsimonious illustration below lists characteristics and features respective to their course.

[1]

Attributes of Stream Course Within The RCC Model:

[2]
Head Waters:
Stream order [1-3]
High [CPOM]
Processing: Heterotrophic
Production/Consumption (Respiration)
P/R<1


Middle Reaches:Stream Order [4-6]
[CPOM] and [FPOM]
Processing: Autotrophic
Production/Consumption (Respiration)
P/R>1

Lower Reaches:
Stream Order [7-10]
[FPOM]
Processing: Heterotrophic
Production/Consumption (Respiration)
P/R<1


Other Projections

Functional Feeding Groups and the RCC>>>

Dams and the RCC>>>


Refs--
Vannote, Robin L., G. Wayne Minshall, Kenneth W. Cummins, James R. Sedell, and Colbert E. Cushing. "The River Continuum Concept." Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37.1 (1980): 130-37. Print.


Images:
[1] http://worldbuildingschool.com/files/2012/08/RiverCourse.jpg
[2] Vector Graphic of Stream, Personal Illustration