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Spring Creeks
- Grow in flat land such as valley floors and pastures/open
fields. The stream will try to meander (S shape) through
the topography to slow itself down trying to reach an equilibrium
- Water percolating out of the ground at a constant
temperature year
round
- Stream usually narrow toward originating spring with
marshy area surrounding
- Stream width grows as more water enters
from other springs and banks are eroded
- Water does not freeze in winter
- Allows plant and animal life to grow year round
- Water quality is very clear
- Less susceptible to flooding as stream is fed by springs,
not runoff
- Stream bed and surrounding geologic structures made of
limestone. The chemical properties of limestone buffer or lower
the pH (acidity) of the water
- Few to little boulders or structure in the stream
- Allows for a variety of animal life that require specific
pH
of water,
such as cress bugs, shrimp, mayflies, etc.
- Cut banks where trout can escape from predators and sunshine
- Soft bottom
- Overhanging plants
- Submerged aquatic vegetation grows very thick as it does
not die back
in winter
- Fish may congregate closer to spring sources in hot weather
to keep
cool
Hot thunderstorm + cold water = fog
Local buildings and structures (bridges, fences etc.) may be made of
limestone
Beavers inhabiting spring creek
Stream opens up downstream from the source
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