ABSTRACT
Aquatic habitat variability is a key aspect at the interface between abiotic and biotic interactions in streams. We investigated the temporal variability of flow depth and velocity at three sites of an alpine gravel-bed river, characterized by different morphological configurations. The analysis was performed through the use of numerical modeling to investigate a broad range of discharges belonging to the duration curve. The calculated values of flow depth and velocity were then analyzed in some key nodes representative of the surveyed habitats. The results show a greater stability of the hydraulic variables in natural sites respect to the trained reaches. Moreover, considering an annual time series, the fluctuations of the values of flow depth and velocity are more evident at regulated sites. Finally, from the application of the CUT methodology emerged a longer duration of habitat stress periods in the regulated reaches respect to the natural site.
