Hypotelminorheic—A Unique Freshwater Habitat

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Publication Date

January 2006

Abstract

A series of small, superficial seeps in George Washington Memorial Parkway in U.S., Medvednica Mountain in Croatia, and Nanos Mountain in Slovenia were studied. We refine the definition of the hypotelminorheic habitat, first described by Meštrov in 1962, especially to constrain its size and to emphasize the importance of an underlying clay layer. In all three study areas, the hypotelminorheic harbors a rich amphipod fauna, and in some sites troglomorphic, stygobiotic amphipods predominate. These stygobiont-rich sites in George Washington Memorial Parkway and Nanos Mountain have a chemical signature that distinguishes them from other sites. Their temperature approximates the mean annual temperature, has high dissolved oxygen levels and pH near neutrality. It may represent an important colonization pathway into other subsurface habitats.

Keywords

Amphipods, Seeps, Springs, Subterranean Habitats

Document Type

Article

Notes

Subterranean Biology, Vol. 4 (2006-01-01).

Identifier

SFS0073650_00001

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