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KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Backwater:  A part of a river which receives little to no current, in which the water becomes stagnant.

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Berm: a raised, flat strip of land that borders a river or canal, often used to separate two areas.

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Biodiversity: Short for 'biological diversity', the variation of living species on Earth, including plants, animals and fungus.

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Ditch systems: A series of depressions in the land used to channel water, often for plant irrigation.

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Floodplain: A flat area of land next to a river, in which water spills into during times of flooding.

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Flow deflectors: Artificial constructs which create variable flow conditions in a river. Different flow conditions offer different benefits to rivers.

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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.

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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.

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Littoral: The area of a river, stream, sea or ocean that is closest to the shore.

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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.

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Refuge area: An area which offers an organism protection, either from the elements or from predators.

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Scrapes: Shallow pools where water overflow can sit.

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Sediment: A material formed of rocks, minerals and organic debris that is taken from one area and distributed to another.

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Sedimentation: The process of depositing sediment (see above). 

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Siltation: The deposition of tiny particles of rock and minerals across and area; a common form of pollution.

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Succession: The changing of the variety of species within an ecosystem over time.

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Wetlands: A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either seasonally or permanently.

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