  A global quantity, regardless of its precise nature, will often fluctuate
according to a Gaussian limit distribution. However, in highly correlated
systems, other limit distributions are possible. We have previously calculated
one such distribution and have argued that this function should apply
specifically, and in many instances, to global quantities that define a steady
state. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the relevance of this
prediction to natural phenomena. The river level fluctuations of the Danube are
observed to obey our prediction, which immediately establishes a generic
statistical connection between turbulence, criticality and company growth
statistics.
