1. Surface Water Ecosystems

2. Rivers and Streams
River- large, flowing body of water that erodes the floodplain over time
Stream- Small, flowing body of water that often leads into a river

3. Fast-Moving Water High dissolved oxygen levels Clear water
Little plant growth
Rocky bottom
Home to trout

4. Slow-Moving Water Low dissolved oxygen levels
Debris settles to the bottom
High nutrient levels
More plant growth
Freshwater mussels, minnows, and leeches

5. Still Water

6. Lakes Natural Large and deep Plants grow along the shallow shoreline
Cold temperatures
Sunlight does not reach the bottom

7. Ponds Usually man-made Shallow Plants found at all levels
Sunlight reaches the bottom
Water is warmer and high in nutrients

8. Reservoir Artificial lake built by damming a stream or river
Stores water

9. Uses of Reservoirs Source of drinking water and irrigation
Dams generate hydroelectric power
Source of recreation
Can prevent flooding by regulating the flow of water

10. Wetlands Land areas that remain wet for all or part of the year
Act as sponges, collecting and holding rainwater to prevent flooding
Filter pollutants and sediment out of water