KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Backwater: A part of a river which receives little to no current, in which the water becomes stagnant.
Berm: a raised, flat strip of land that borders a river or canal, often used to separate two areas.
Biodiversity: Short for 'biological diversity', the variation of living species on Earth, including plants, animals and fungus.
Ditch systems: A series of depressions in the land used to channel water, often for plant irrigation.
Floodplain: A flat area of land next to a river, in which water spills into during times of flooding.
Flow deflectors: Artificial constructs which create variable flow conditions in a river. Different flow conditions offer different benefits to rivers.
Flow diversity: The variability of the speed of flowing water within a river. Fast water scours the gravel and oxygenates the water, while slower flow offers other species the chance to thrive.
Hinged trees: Trees which have been purposely cut and lowered into a river to act as flow deflectors and create new habitats for river species.
Littoral: The area of a river, stream, sea or ocean that is closest to the shore.
Non-native invasive species: A species which has been introduced by humans outside of its natural range, which then poses a threat to local native wildlife.
Refuge area: An area which offers an organism protection, either from the elements or from predators.
Scrapes: Shallow pools where water overflow can sit.
Sediment: A material formed of rocks, minerals and organic debris that is taken from one area and distributed to another.
Sedimentation: The process of depositing sediment (see above).
Siltation: The deposition of tiny particles of rock and minerals across and area; a common form of pollution.
Succession: The changing of the variety of species within an ecosystem over time.
Wetlands: A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either seasonally or permanently.