BIOL 122 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Santa Barbara City College, Limnetic Zone, Profundal Zone
Document Summary
Classification of freshwater systems is based on salinity, water movement, and depth. The above are still all continuous systems. River continuum= continuous combo and growth of streams, rivers, river mouth, Riparian zone= distinct terrestrial vegetation that borders lotic system, Streams and associated shifts in environments and ecosystems experiences seasonal floods and elevated water table. Riffles (where water moving) and pools (where water not moving) within distinct environments, both are low productivity, both have different oxygen levels. Allochthonous= systems that require input from outside (like leaves, dead material), not self-sustaining. Silt and turbulent water can reduce productivity= often from human activity. Downstream nutrient and life movement must be balanced by upstream inputs and allochthonous material. Lotic systems are very sensitive to changes in water flow. Dams= over 8000 in us of over 15m. Yacreta dam in paraguay and argentina reservoir formed, eco consequences. Can lose complexity and diversity of systems like riverbeds, etc.
