Abstract

An ecological study was conducted at Cascade Springs, Wasatch county, Utah from August 1965, to June 1967. The algae and aquatic moss species were determined and ecological information about these organisms was obtained. Physical data were also collected: bicarbonates, carbonates, free carbon dioxide, hydroxides, oxygen, pH, and temperature. The physical environment of the water was found to be very constant. Tests taken at the different study sites were consistently similar, not only during each day, but all year around. No great variation of any kind was found in the water. In contrast to the water environment, the topography of the spring varied greatly. Variations were noted in bottom composition, sunlight, water depth, velocity, and volume. But although Cascade Springs appears to have a variety of ecological niches, the number of species of algae and mosses were low. Twelve genera and fourteen species of algae, and ten genera and thirteen species of mosses were collected. The terrace region, both edges and pools, were occupied by all algae species. All but Vaucheria were found in the terrace pools, and all but Chara were found on the terrace edge, and none were found in the terrace pools. The only species of algae found in the spring basin were Chara and Spirogyra, and all moss species but one were found in the spring basin. The algae species were most abundant in the spring and summer months, and least abundant in the winter, although the water temperatures remained constant. The mosses were found to be perennials, and they were constant in both abundance and location. One species of algae was found unique to the spring: Plectonema tomasinianum. This was an abundant species that had not been collected elsewhere in Utah. The other species, both algae and mosses, were common in Utah.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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