When the temperature of a river rises, the water particles move faster, which causes the water to heat up. This makes the water expand, although only to a very small extent. In addition, if a river is fast flowing some of the water may begin to evaporate, causing a mist over the surface of the river. The temperature rise of a river can have a number of effects; these are explained in the points below.
Rising river temperatures could spell disaster for some types of marine wildlife. Both fish species and amphibians are used to the current temperature of the water, and may not be adapted to survive in higher water temperatures. If the temperature change is rapid enough, this could lead to many wildlife species dying. In time, these species could even become extinct.
- The impact on other types of wildlife
This has further effects than those apparent at first. If members of one species die, this disrupts the whole food chain. Animals that once fed on fish and amphibians will be without food, and so are likely to fall in number; their predators will then also suffer. Wildlife that was once the food of fish and amphibians will thrive and begin to outnumber other species. It could be some time before the food chain is able to adapt to cope with the change.
If the local economy is dependent on a good fish supply - which many are - there could be trouble for communities. Fishermen will suffer as they aren't catching enough fish, and may become unemployed. There may not be enough food to go round in poorer societies. Many people could experience the effects of the rising water temperatures.
