Stream Types - Look a Little Deeper! Streams are essential to our ecosystem. Streams supply land, animals, and people with Ephemeral Streams (Rain-dependent streams) * Streambeds are above the groundwater table * Ephemeral streams briefly flow after a precipitation event * Provide pathways for water to flow to other waterways Perennial Streams (Year-round streams) * Streambed is below the water table * Do not rely only on precipitation for water * Perennial streams flow year-round vital resources. Streams are classified into three types. Each stream type has unique characteristics. Intermittent Streams (Seasonal streams) * Streambed is closer to the water table * Flow during certain times of the year when upstream waters are flowing or when the groundwater provides enough water flow Dry * During dry periods, Period intermittent streams may dry up completely Learn more about stream orders and the river continuum at www.fishandboat.com/LearningCenter/ ActivitiesAndEducationPortal/ AquaticHabitat/Pages/default.aspx. River Continuum A stream's size, gradient, and type of habitat changes as it flows downstream. The river continuum begins in the mountains as a small headwater stream. Headwaters Brook Trout Stonefly Nymph Mayfly Nymph Caddisfly Larva Smallmouth Bass Hellgrammite River 48 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2021 Crayfish www.fishandboat.comhttps://www.fishandboat.com/LearningCenter/ActivitiesAndEducationPortal/AquaticHabitat/Pages/default.aspx https://www.fishandboat.com/LearningCenter/ActivitiesAndEducationPortal/AquaticHabitat/Pages/default.aspx https://www.fishandboat.com/LearningCenter/ActivitiesAndEducationPortal/AquaticHabitat/Pages/default.aspx http://www.fishandboat.com