Rivers and lakes

Environmental conditions

Flow, temperature, light and oxygen vary among rivers, lakes and seasons.

Distribution and scope

They occur across inland catchments; each water body needs a defined geographic and basin context.

Structure

Channel, bed and banks structure rivers; shore, water column and bottom distinguish lake zones.

Ecological processes

Water moves sediment and nutrients and connects organisms between headwaters, shores and downstream reaches.

Seasonal changes

River discharge and lake mixing vary with rain, snowmelt and temperature. High and low water alter links with banks and beds; timing is local.

Threats

Over-abstraction, wastewater, excess nutrients and flow barriers affect water quality and continuity. Rivers and lakes respond differently.

Conservation

Protect water quantity, quality, functioning banks and connections across the whole catchment. Upstream pressures matter downstream.

Responsible observation

From a safe bank, compare flow, clarity, bankside plants and flood marks. Do not transfer organisms between waters.