An improved global understanding of river temperature could provide an important barometer for climate change and other human activities.
River temperature is the fundamental water quality measure that regulates physical, chemical and biological processes in flowing waters and, in turn, impacts ecosystems, human health, and industrial, domestic and recreational uses by people.
In a comment piece in the new journal, Nature Water, researchers led by the University of Birmingham, UK, and Indiana University, USA, have called for an increased focus on both river temperatures and the factors driving temperature increases.
In particular, the researchers argue, we need a better understanding of the role played by humans on river water temperature.
Read more at University of Birmingham
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