Intermittent Streams: Nature’s Vanishing Act
Around the world, creeks, rivers, and streams that flow sporadically are common, and these temporary waterways—wet or dry—are fundamental to ecosystems.
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California faces one of the most severe droughts on record. The drought has prompted people to rescue fish, snitch on water-hogging neighbors, and soul-search their own water use.
Overall, the state is fairly arid, but its environment is quite complex. What many people may not realize is that when the water ceases to flow, in many streams that’s normal and life goes on for species unknown—or known yet unseen—by the casual observer.
In this short video, follow intermittent stream researcher Michael Bogan in the field.