Habitat types key navigation

You can use the 'key navigation' function to identify a specific habitat by answering a set of questions. Starting from first question to next questions you select one of the possible answers. Here are samples of possible answers:

• No ( 002 ) - Leading to question named '002'
• Yes [ G ] - Leading to another questions subset of level G
• No [ E6 ] - Links directly to factsheet for E6

Additionally the diagram may be used for reference.


Category : (C2 )Surface running waters
Diagram :

Question c05 :   Temporary?

Seasonal and otherwise temporary running surface waters (path = Yes) are separated from surface running waters of more permanent character.

Answers: Yes [ C2.5 ] No ( c06 )

Question c06 :   Up-welling?

Springs and geysers where the flow is caused by up-welling from the substrate and the stream immediately below, where the temperature regime is similar to the source water and significantly different from the surroundings, are distinguished (path = Yes).

Answers: Yes [ C2.1 ] No ( c07 )

Question c07 :   Water in thin sheets over rock?

Habitats characterised by thin layers of moving water over rock surfaces adjacent to open water are distinguished (path = Yes) from the main open waterbody with which they are associated.

Answers: Yes [ C2.6 ] No ( c08 )

Question c08 :   Tidal water?

Tidal rivers and streams (which may or may not be brackish) upstream of the estuary are distinguished (path = Yes) from running water not affected by tides. Note that estuarine waters, with variable salinity usually greater than 0.5 ppt, are categorised under A and estuaries as complex X01.

Answers: Yes [ C2.4 ] No ( c09 )

Question c09 :   Flow

Watercourses where the flow-rate is fast and turbulent are distinguished from rivers where flow is slower and tending towards becoming laminar. Note that where flow is fast and turbulent, the oxygen concentration is high, and the bed usually composed of rocks, stones or gravel with only occasional sandy and silty patches; where flow is slower, oxygen concentration deficits may occur at times, and normally the substrate is mainly sand and mud. Rivers that are fast but with laminar flow follow path = slower and tending towards becoming laminar. Note that where there is no perceptible flow, habitats are classified under C1.

Answers: fast and turbulent [ C2.2 ] slower and tending towards laminar [ C2.3 ]