CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY METRIC:

The various types of environmental variations which occur in sufficient quantity to provide habitat diversity to support a wide range of species in the stream.

DEVELOPMENT

Degree of channel development refers to the development of complexes of fast-moving turbulent riffles and slowly-moving deep pools.

• The following classifications of Development are included in the QHEI Channel Morphology Metric:



• Excellent
• Good
• Fair
• Poor
  

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EXCELLENT [7] Well-defined riffles present with larger substrates (gravel, cobbles, or boulders); pools must have maximum depth of >1m, and deep riffles and runs (>0.5m) must also be present. In streams sampled with wading methods, a sequence of riffles, runs, and pools must occur more than once in a sampling zone. Channel Morphology: Development QHEI Metrics NORP Main Menu

GOOD [5] Defined riffles present with larger substrates (gravel, cobbles, or boulders); pools have variation in depth and there is a distinct transition between pools and riffles. Channel Morphology: Development QHEI Metrics NORP Main Menu

FAIR [3] Riffles are poorly developed or absent; however, pools are well developed and show considerable variation in depth. Channel Morphology: Development QHEI Metrics NORP Main Menu

POOR [1] Riffles are absent, or if present, shallow with sand and fine gravel substrates; pools, if present are shallow. Glide habitats, if predominant, receive a Poor rating. Channel Morphology: Development QHEI Metrics NORP Main Menu