(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Appendix III
APPENDIX III: GLOSSARY
aggradation – filling and raising of the level of the bed of a stream by deposition of
sediment; the opposite of degradation
allochthanous – external source of energy for a stream (e.g., dead leaves, branches, and
dead trees that fall into the river)
alluvial – refers to natural, channelized runoff from terrestrial terrain and the material borne
or deposited by such runoff
anthropogenic – arising from human activity
assessment area – the portion of a wetland or riverine system that is the subject of the
CRAM evaluation
assessment window – the period of time when assessments of wetland condition should be
conducted. In general, it is during the growing season for the characteristic plant
community of the wetland type to be assessed.
attribute – attributes constitute the obvious, universal aspects of wetland condition; CRAM
recognizes a total of four attributes of condition within a wetland: (1) buffer and
landscape context; (2) hydrology; (3) physical structure; and (4) biotic structure.
avulsion – sudden movement of fluvial flow entirely or in part from one channel to another,
less sinuous and steeper channel, usually during flood flows
bankfull – height of fluvial flow corresponding to the floodplain
bar – an alluvial or tidal deposit of sand, gravel, cobble, or other material within a channel.
that directs flow and is often exposed during low-water periods
barrier beach – a natural area of sand or gravel along a lacustrine, marine or estuarine shore
that blocks the landward action of tides or waves
benthic – pertaining to the sea bed, river bed, or lake floor
braided – a stream that forms an interlacing network of branching and recombining
channels separated by floodplains, channel bars, or islands
buffer – for the purposes of CRAM, the area extending from the immediate edge of the AA
that is in a natural, or semi-natural, state and protects the AA from stressors
catchment – synonymous with watershed. An area of land, bounded by a drainage divide,
which drains to a fluvial channel or water body.
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