Freshwater Surface Water

Rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and drainage systems — the visible freshwater on the land surface. This is the twig for hydrographic data describing water bodies, their flow, and their characteristics.

Scope

• Rivers and streams: Channel geometry, streamflow measurements, catchment boundaries, stream order
• Lakes and ponds: Extent, depth, volume, water level monitoring
• Wetlands: Bog, fen, marsh classification and delineation
• Reservoirs: Artificial water bodies, dam locations, storage capacity
• Drainage: Drainage networks, tile drain systems, storm drainage routes
• Estuaries: Transitional waters where freshwater meets marine (shared with Marine)

Key Distinction: Water Body vs Water Quality

This twig describes the water body itself — its geometry, flow, and physical state. The quality of the water (pollutant concentrations) is Hydrosphere Contaminants. The organisms in the water are Biosphere.

Classical Theme Mappings