A pivotal eigenvalue problem in river ecology

This paper studies an eigenvalue problem associated with a linear parabolic equation and a coupled ordinary differential equation. The existence and the uniqueness of the principal eigenvalue for this eigenvalue problem is first established. Then, the qualitative dependence of the principal eigenvalue with respect to the several parameters involved in the system is analyzed. Finally, these results are applied to a system in flowing habitats with a hydraulic storage zone and light limitation.