What term describes shallow waters with many rocks that disrupt the surface?

The term that describes shallow waters with many rocks disrupting the surface is "riffle." Riffles typically occur in streams and rivers where the current is strong enough to create turbulence, leading to the formation of small waves and a frothy surface. The presence of rocks or gravel in these areas helps to create different flow patterns, causing the water to move rapidly over the uneven substrate. This results in a shallower section of the water body, making riffles important habitats for various aquatic organisms, as they often serve as feeding and spawning grounds.

While pools, streams, and channels are all related concepts in the context of water bodies, they do not specifically describe the combination of shallow waters with rocky disruptions that characterize riffles. Pools indicate deeper, calmer areas, streams refer to the broader category of flowing water, and channels describe the defined path through which water flows, which may contain various features including riffles and pools.