Velocity/depth diversity

Rated based on the variety of velocity/depth regimes present at a site (slow-shallow, slow-deep, fast-shallow, and fast-deep). As with embeddedness, this metric may result in lower scores in low-gradient streams but will provide a statewide information on the physical habitat found in Maryland streams.

0 - 5Dominated by 1 velocity/depth category (usually pools)
6 - 10Only 2 of the 4 habitat categories present
11 - 15Only 3 of the 4 habitat categories present
16 - 20Slow (<0.3 m/s), deep (>0.5 m); slow, shallow (<0.5 m); fast (>0.3 m/s), deep; fast, shallow habitats all present

For more comprehensive and detailed information, download the Guide to using MBSS Data (536 KB).