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Many different types of green algae can be found in the creek. Green algae belong to the phyla Chlorophyta ("green plant"). Many species of green algae form long chains of cells (filaments) and are often referred to as filamentous green algae. They are commonly found growing on the surfaces of rocks on the creek bed. As light becomes more intense, seasonal and diurnal changes, large amounts of oxygen is released by the algae as a consequence of increased rates of photosynthesis. Gas pockets are often created within the woven filaments of the algae that ends up pulling portions of the colony off of the bottom and up to the surface. The type and amount of algae growing on the bottom is directly affected by light penetration, depth, nitrate level, and abundance or absence of algae eating organisms.