Thousands of ground water fed creeks supply the French Broad with consistent and cold water flow. Among the many factors determining biodiversity in these creeks is this consistent temperature. Many species depend on temperature to thrive, including native Brook Trout which only spawn in cold water. As shading vegetation, urban runoff, and climate change are affecting stream temperature, one tool to measure these effects is a Kestrel temperature monitor.
The Kestrel d2 is a small device that measures and logs temperature and relative humidity data , that is displayed on an app. Other models provide more measurement abilities, but at a 99 dollar price point on Amazon the D2 fits the bill for water temperature monitoring. Most useful is the logging ability, which the D2 stores until it is connected the the phone app.
Placing the D2 in a perennial stream.
The data reading in the app
Reading showing the data log, difference in air and water temperatures
