How can temperature changes from runoff impact aquatic life?

Sudden temperature changes can create a stressful environment for aquatic organisms due to their sensitivity to variations in thermal conditions. Aquatic life, including fish and invertebrates, typically thrive within specific temperature ranges that are crucial for their physiological processes, such as metabolism, reproduction, and development. When runoff leads to abrupt shifts in water temperature—often due to rainfall, melting snow, or urban runoff—organisms can experience physiological stress, which may impair their growth, reproductive success, and even survival.

Rapid temperature fluctuations can also disrupt the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. For instance, warm temperatures can reduce oxygen solubility in water, making it harder for fish and other organisms that depend on dissolved oxygen to thrive. Consequently, temperature stress can lead to decreased biodiversity and altered food web dynamics, further impacting aquatic health. Therefore, understanding the effects of temperature changes from runoff is essential for the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems.