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Stream metabolism, encompassing gross primary production and ecosystem respiration, reflects the fundamental energetic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. These processes regulate the concentrations of dissolved gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, which in turn shape aquatic food webs and ecosystem responses to stressors such as floods, drought, and nutrient loading. Historically difficult to quantify, stream metabolism is now measurable at high temporal resolution thanks to advances in sensor technology and modeling. The StreamPULSE dataset includes high-frequency sensor data, metadata, and modeled estimates of ecosystem metabolism. This living dataset contributes to a growing body of open-access data characterizing the metabolic pulse of stream ecosystems worldwide. To contribute to StreamPULSE, visit data.streampulse.org. All data contributed to StreamPULSE become public after an optional embargo period. Use this publication to access annual data releases, or use data.streampulse.org to download new data as they become available. 

The primary objective of this project is to understand how long-term climate variability and change influence the structure and function of desert streams via effects on hydrologic disturbance regimes. Climate and hydrology are intimately linked in arid landscapes; for this reason, desert streams are particularly well suited for both observing and understanding the consequences of climate variability and directional change. Researchers try to (1) determine how climate variability and change over multiple years influence stream biogeomorphic structure (i.e., prevalence and persistence of wetland and gravel-bed ecosystem states) via their influence on factors that control vegetation biomass, and (2) compare interannual variability in within-year successional patterns in ecosystem processes and community structure of primary producers and consumers of two contrasting reach types (wetland and gravel-bed stream reaches). This specific dataset was collected to monitor long-term changes in dissolved nutrient concentrations (N, P, C) by sampling surface water within gravel and wetland dominated reaches during baseflow.