Glossary

The resistance coefficient in the Manning formula used in calculating water velocity and stream discharge. It is a proportionality coefficient that varies inversely as a function of flow.

An area of soft, wet or periodically inundated land, generally treeless and usually characterized by grasses and other low growth.

The movement of large, relatively intact masses of earth and or rock along a well defined shearing surface as a result of gravity and seepage.

The average height of all of the high waters recorded at a given place over a 19-year period.

The average height of all of the low waters recorded at a given place over a 19-year period.

The average height of the surface of the sea at a given place for all stages of the tide over a 19-year period.

The quantitative expression of confinement (lateral containment of rivers) and is determined by the ratio of belt width/bankfull width.

Used for decades for immediate seed and soil protection from erosive forces and to accelerate vegetation establishment. Straw and hay are the most commonly used mulching materials. Benefits of mulches include:

• assisting in soil stabilization, which immediately reduces wind and water erosion.
• reducing soil temperatures, which decreases soil moisture evaporation and heat stress upon plants.
• capturing and retains moisture, which reduces soil moisture loss.
• capturing blowing snow, and increases the insulating effect of winter precipitation.
• decomposing into valuable organic matter that becomes incorporated into the soil.