(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Appendix III
organic – pertaining to, or derived from, living organisms, or to compounds containing
carbon as an essential component
panne – a shallow pond or pool, inundated or exposed, that forms on a fluvial floodplain or
tidal marsh plain
patch – a spatially distinct structural element of a wetland system large enough to serve as
habitat for wildlife, or to serve as an indicator of spatial variations in hydrological or
edaphic conditions within a wetland
periphyton – benthic algae that grow attached to surfaces such as rocks or larger plants
rating – for a CRAM metric, a rating represents its state relative to the full range of possible
states, from worst possible state to best
reach – a length of stream, lacustrine shore, or estuarine shore that has generally consistent
physical and biological characteristics
riffle – a submerged, topographical high area in a channel created by the accumulation of
relatively coarse-grained sediment causing turbulent flow indicated by standing waves
riparian – a transitional area between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, distinguished by
gradients in biophysical conditions, ecological processes and biota; areas through
which surface and subsurface hydrology connect water bodies with their adjacent
uplands, including those portions of terrestrial ecosystems that significantly influence
exchanges of energy and matter with aquatic ecosystems; riparian areas are adjacent to
perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, lakes and estuarine-marine shorelines
(National Research Council 2001).
run – a reach of straight, smooth, fast-moving fluvial flow between riffles; also called a glide
scour – concentrated erosive action of flowing water in streams that removes and carries
away material from the bed and banks
sediment – organic or inorganic material that has been transported and/or deposited by
wind or water action
slough – a large tidal channel, or a large fluvial channel lacking an obvious terminal water
body, cam also refer to an abandoned fluvial channel within the effective valley
snag – a standing, dead tree or shrub at least 12 feet tall
stress – the consequence of unnatural, anthropogenic changes in forcing functions or
controlling factors; key stressors are anthropogenic actions that tend to modify the
quantity and/or quality of physical or biological habitat, sediment supplies, and/or
water supplies upon which the desired functions of the wetland depend
stressor – an agent that inflicts stress on a wetland
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