Streams & Rivers

There are many terms used to describe water courses that can be somewhat interchangeable. Streams can be large or small and have a defined channel. Streams can be intermittent, for example existing only when it rains, or they can flow all the time. Rivers usually carry more water and are often much deeper and more permanent than streams. Tributary is a broader term used to describe a stream or river that flows into a larger river system or lake. SSEA monitors major rivers flowing into Severn Sound along with many of the smaller tributaries in each river subwatershed for water quality, stream invertebrates and temperature.