flytene
Flytene is a term used in river ecology to describe seasonal mats of buoyant organic matter and debris that form on the surface of slow-moving rivers and floodplain channels. The term derives from the Scandinavian verb flyte, meaning to float, and is applied to a recognizable surface phenomenon rather than a fixed organism or location.
Definition and formation: Flytene develop when wind and currents concentrate floating vegetation, twigs, seeds, and other
Ecological role: The mats create microhabitats for invertebrates and small fish, influence gas exchange at the
Distribution and observation: Flytene are noted in temperate river systems with braided or slow sections, including
Management and research: Approaches include debris management, seasonal removal to restore flow, and vegetation management to