By: Lindsey Keiser

Introduction What I will Discuss: Geography Structure Physical Condition Biology Human Influence

Geography Channels are formed from rain runoff. River Basin-area of a continent that is drained by a river. Ex. Mississippi River Basin. The River Basins are separated by watersheds.

Structure Pools, runs and rapids change along there Lengths. The wetted & active channels are found where rivers divided at there widths. Riparian Zone-transition between the aquatic environment & the terrestrial environment. The Water surface, water column and the bottom or benthic zone, divide vertically along the river. Below this zone is the hyportheic zone, where surface water becomes ground water The Phreatic zone, is where ground water is found.

Physical Conditions Light Penetration Two main factor: First being that organic and inorganic matter falls into the river Second being that the current disturbs the sediments on the bottom and the particles prevent light from getting in. River Currents The current does a lot for the river and the river organisms. The amount of water a river carries is called river discharge. The health of rivers and streams depends upon keeping the natural flow for a region intact.

Biology River continuum theory, states that in temperate regions leaves and other plant parts are the main source of energy. The coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), when entering is attacked by microbes (fungi). When it is colonized by the fungi it becomes nutritious for the invertebrates. The invertebrates are dominated by two groups: Shredders and the collectors. The collectors fed on fine particulate organic matter(FPOM). This theory predicts that FPOM will be a source of energy when washed downstream. Most of the invertebrates live on the sediments on the bottom.

Examples of animals that live in rivers and streams

Human Influence