Bedrock rivers are known for their content of alluvium, which is loose soil or sediment. This is most likely to happen in geographical regions that have experienced an upward shift in the earth’s surface, such as mountainous regions or uplands. Rivers fall into 1 of 3 categories: bedrock, alluvial, or a mix.īedrock rivers are formed where water cuts through newer levels of sediment and works its way into the bedrock beneath. Topography classification refers to the physical makeup, shape, and features of the river. In contrast, wetlands are less sensitive to disturbance, but require a longer period of time to recovery the effects of an environmental disturbance. For example, a microhabitat is considered highly sensitive to disturbance, but has a quick recovery time. Additionally, the crenon zone has lower oxygen levels and colder temperatures.īiotic classification also identifies the sensitivity to and recovery time from environmental disturbances of specific habitats. Because this is where the river gets its start, its flow speeds are much slower than those found in the rhithron zone. This zone is subdivided into the eucrenon, which is the spring zone, and the hypocrenon, which is the headstream zone. The crenon zone describes the area near the source of the river. Additionally, this biotic river zone has a higher oxygen level than the potamon. These faster speeds contribute to cooler temperatures in the rhithron zone. It is characterized by faster and more turbulent flowing speeds. The rhithron zone describes the upstream area of the river. Additionally, the potamon zone is characterized by a sandy river bed and lower oxygen content. Because this area has slower water flowing speeds, its temperature is generally warmer than other areas of the river. The potamon zone describes the downstream area of a river. One common system divides rivers into 3 principal zones: potamon, rhithron, and crenon. This classification includes the purest, cleanest rivers as well as the most contaminated. Biotic Classificationīiotic classification refers to the type of ecosystem found in a particular river. This article takes a closer look at these river classification systems. Rivers can be classified by: biotic status (its living things), topography (its physical shape and features), whitewater (for recreational purposes), and by the Strahler Stream Order. In order to measure and record the characteristics of rivers and other waterways around the world, scientists have developed several classification systems. Because of this, a plethora of information can be obtained about rivers, including their length, depth, speed, direction, ecosystem, and flow. Its importance has made rivers, oceans, streams, and lakes the subjects of many research projects. One of the most important components of any environmental study is water. How Are Rivers Classified? The speed of a river is one way in which it can be classified.
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