Light energy as an Ecological Function
What
is light energy?
Light energy is the natural pathway for light to reach the shoreline and addition
of artificial light to the aquatic shorelines, especially at night.
Why is light energy important?
Light energy affects water temperature, biological processes (such as the
relationship between predators and prey) and plant photosynthesis and growth.
Under natural conditions light is controlled by topography, cloudiness, vegetation
cover, and seasonal patterns, like less daylight in the winter.
How do land uses affect light energy?
Natural light can be altered when we remove vegetation, or build structures
such as docks and piers that create shade and prevent natural light from reaching
the water.
Artificial light is the light we create at night, such as from roads, parking lots, industrial complexes, houses, docks, piers and sports fields. This light can interfere with aquatic animals' routines and change predator-prey relationships.
Related Information
- The Value of Riparian Vegetation
- Shoreline Practices for a Healthy Lake, River or Creek
- Puget Sound Marine Topics
- King County Lakes
- Salmon and Trout Topics
