1.2.2.8 Water Systems

Definition: Those ecosystems persistantly covered by water. This includes streams, creeks, rivers, canals and other linear bodies of water. This also includes lakes (both fresh and salt water) and reserviors.

Definition Source: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensing Data

Water Systems Categories:

1.2.2.8.1 Lakes: Those water ecosystems that are nonflowing, naturally enclosed bodies of water. This includes regulated natural lakes, but does not include reservoirs. (Definition Source: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensing Data)

1.2.2.8.2 Reserviors: Those water ecosystems that are artificial impoundments of water used for irrigation, flood control, municipal water supplies, recreation, hydroelectric power generation, and so forth. In certain cases like the Tennessee River, the entire length of the trunk stream is impounded. In such a situation, the stream exists as a stairstep series of impoundments with waterway, flood-control, recreation, and power-generation functions but is still considered a reservoir, since the additional functions are the result of impoundment. (Definition Source: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensing Data)

1.2.2.8.3 Streams and Canals: Those water ecosystems in linear water bodies. This includes rivers, creeks, and canals. The boundary between streams and other bodies of water is the straight line across the mouth of the stream up to 1 nautical mile (1.85 km). Beyond that limit, the classification of the water body changes to the appropriate category, whether it be Lakes, Reservoirs, or Bays and Estuaries. (Definition Source: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensing Data)