User:NSEasternShoreChemist/sandbox

In hydrology, a stillwater is a narrow, slow-moving stream that flows through a wetland, where the banks consist of a thick mat of sphagnum and other organic matter floating on water.

Etymology
The name stillwater arises as these slower-moving sections of streams are typically found between faster-flowing sections, and have calmer, or stiller, waters.

Formation
Stillwaters are generally found in the same locations that favour the formation of humic lakes. Generally, they form in areas with high precipitation where the bedrock is resistant to chemical weathering, and the surrounding lands are dominated by conifer forests. Under these conditions, the soils that form consist mainly of organic matter, with little sand, clay, or silt. Areas where there is deeper, well-drained soil (such as drumlins and moraines), are not favourable for stillwater formation.

Stillwater formation starts by mats of floating moss and other plants, such as leatherleaf, growing on the shoreline of the lake. For this to happen, there must be little to no wave action; as a result, this is more likely to happen on small, shallow lakes. Gradually, the organic matter grows farther out into the lake. If there is very little water flowing in or out of the lake, it can turn into a bog, however, if the original lake had significant inflow and outflow, the decrease in lake volume causes the current flowing through the lake to accelerate. Eventually, the lake reaches an equilibrium, where the rate of accumulation of organic matter is equal to the rate at which the stream flowing through it washes away the organic matter. The remaining stream is known as a stillwater.

Recreation
The floating organic matter of a stillwater is easily damaged, making them unsuitable for hiking, cycling, or motorized recreation. However, the slow currents make them suitable for canoeing; wider stillwaters may be able to accommodate small motorboats, as well.

Examples
The southern part of Nova Scotia has many stillwaters. They can be found in Kejimkujik National Park, the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, and the Eastern Shore Granite Ridge. Stillwaters are also common in parts of Northern Ontario and the Canadian Shield.