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Effects of Clarity and Turbidity
Clarity is directly affected by turbidity. The more particles floating in water the less clarity. These particles block light from traveling deeper into the body of water.
Turbidity can be caused by sediment in water, from run-off water or the water being stirred up. It can also be caused by microscopic algae or plankton in water.
Turbidity can be caused by sediment in water, from run-off water or the water being stirred up. It can also be caused by microscopic algae or plankton in water.
Sediment and organic matter that cause turbidity get into a body of water anytime plants are removed from the land surrounding it. When the roots are removed, they cannot hold the sediments and organic matter together any longer. Rain causes runoff to flow into the water, creating turbidity. Some sediments may sink to the bottom, but when when a boat passes, or rain falls, or winds stir up the water, the sediment is mixed into the water. This is called resuspension and is explained in the diagram below. Plankton causes turbidity as well. When they die, they become organic matter that is suspended in the water.