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GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS (Continued) <br />ANABRANCH <br />A diverging branch of a large river that rejoins the main flow downstream. For <br />example, the Platte River has numerous anabranches of varying widths that <br />constantly split and rejoin. <br />AQUIFER <br />A geological basin -type formation under the earth's surface which is porous <br />enough to hold water and permeable enough to transmit water to wells. <br />DIVERSION <br />Removing water from its natural course or location, or controlling water in its <br />natural course or location, by means of a canal, reservoir, bypass, pipeline or other <br />structure or device. <br />EUTROPHIC <br />A lake that is rich in nutrients, characterized by abundant plankton and high <br />turbidity. <br />LITTORAL ZONE <br />The biogeographic area between high and low water levels. <br />PELAGIC <br />Pertaining to the regions of a lake beyond the littoral zone and characterized by <br />deposits of mud and absence of vegetation. <br />RAINWATER BASIN <br />A wetlands area in south - central Nebraska covering parts of 17 counties. It is <br />characterized by flat to gently rolling plains formed by deep deposits of wind <br />blown silt. Few natural marshes and lakes remain where they were once abundant. <br />STAGING AREA <br />The place of congregation of a large number of individuals of a given species prior <br />to traveling. Often associated with feeding and courtship behavior of migratory <br />birds, such as waterfowl and sandhill cranes. <br />THERMOCLINE <br />A horizontal temperature discontinuity layer in a lake in which the temperature <br />falls by at least 1 °C per meter of water depth. <br />USUFRUCT <br />The right to enjoy a thing which is vested in another, and to gain profit, utility, and <br />advantage without altering its substance. <br />MESIC <br />Of or pertaining to a habitat characterized by a moderate amount of water. <br />MESOTROPHIC <br />Pertaining to a body of water with an intermediate level of primary production, i.e., <br />chlorophyl, algae, diatoms, phytoplankton, etc. <br />xviii <br />