WOLF, Mary C; QUINN, Eric; MARTIN, Art; ZULANDT, Thomas; MOORE, Paul A.; Bowling Green State University; University of Cincinnati; Bowling Green State University ; Bowling Green State University ; Bowling Green State University : Odor plume distribution in a natural stream system

A natural stream environment is made up of different types of habitats that an organism such as a crayfish must navigate to perform its daily activities. The combination of these different habitats, different flow regimes, provides a complex environment to the organism. Previous studies with crayfish in artificial stream settings have shown that the temporal structure of an odor plume can alter temporal dynamics of orientation behavior. Exposure to a more complex signal of odors, whether conflicting odor cues, multiple odor sources, or different substrates in the stream, enables crayfish to orient more efficiently. In order link these studies to a more natural setting we need to know how odor signals move through various natural habitats. Knowing how odor signals travel through a real stream that has multiple habitats and flow regimes will help us better understand behaviors of organisms like crayfish. In the present study we will look at how odor plumes move through a natural stream environment by evaluating simultaneous flow and odor plume measurements. We took measurements at three locations within the Maple River, Pellston, MI. The locations consisted of a fast flowing riffle section consisting of cobble substrate, an area of transition between cobble and sand, and a pool section consisting of sand substrate. Measurements were taken using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter for the flow measurements and Epsilon electro chemical system for the odor plume measurements. Both measurements were performed simultaneously at each location. Signals exhibited different characteristics due to flow regime and substrate type. These results have implications for the behavior of benthic organisms in a natural habitat.