Macrophyte proliferation occurs in streams and can produce many nuisances. Comprehension of this phenomenon requires a detailed study of the macrophyte populations and the environmental variables affecting them, so that the phytocoenoses can be described in relation to their stages of breakdown. During this study, twenty-one streams have been examined, all being situated at the head of the basin and representing the diverse geology of Lorraine. The study sites were chosen in relation to abiotic cut-off points defined by zones of streams that were homogeneous in terms of their geology, gradient and size. The relevance of using geology (permeability classes) as the first hierarchic criterion in the stream classification was confirmed by the results of this study. Chemical analyses and morphometric surveys at each study site identified four major types of stream (on granite, sandstone, limestone and marl), on which the aquatic vegetation has been surveyed. Some typical vegetation successions have been observed as a function of their position from source to river mouth. Concepts of naturally sensitive environments and species « of proliferation risk» have been improved. This study forms the basis for a typology of streams, using the aquatic vegetation. Ces dommages ont un coût qui se chiffre en millions de francs pour les gestionnaires du milieu tels que les Agences de l'Eau, par exemple : détarage des stations de jaugeage : 0,6 million de F/an ou surcoût Article available at
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