Which Way to the Sea

When water becomes overly enriched with nutrients which causes rapid growth of algae, eutrophication occurs. Eutrophication is the process where excess nutrients in water lead to excessive algae growth, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

The source of a river, the set of streams that feed into the river's beginning. headwaters. Headwaters are where a river begins, usually in small streams or springs.

Any characteristic that can help in defining or classifying a particular system. parameter. In Science, a parameter is a variable that defines or limits a system's behavior or function.

A plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks. riparian vegetation. Riparian vegetation consists of plants that grow along riverbanks, helping to protect the ecosystem by stabilizing soil and filtering water.

A white circular disk used to measure water transparency or turbidity in bodies of water. Secchi disk. It is a tool scientists use to see how clear or murky water is.

A device for measuring turbidity, the haziness of a fluid, in shallow waters. Turbidity tube. A turbidity tube is a simple tool used to see how clear or cloudy water is.