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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Headwater Fen Map Component: H1
Extent: 4 wetland polygons; 6.6 ha; 0.00% of wetland area; 0.02% of wetland polygons. |
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 The H1 portion of a H1-3 fen in the Caribou Hills, near Ptarmigan Head (polygon 30012). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Open water Average depth to water table: Water above the surface Organic layer thickness: n/a Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: pond Common Plant communities: NWI: L2UB1 HGM: Terrene Basin groundwater-dominated Throughflow headwater. If not adjacent to a Late Snow Plateau Ecosystem wetland, then: Terrene Basin Outflow headwater. |
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Accuracy assessment: None of the polygons interpreted as H1 on aerial photographs were field checked. |
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The H1 map component is a pond in a headwater basin. These rare components have standing water above the surface for the entire growing season. At their edges, emergent plant communities are common, and one contained floating pond lily (Nuphar polysepala). Only four high ponds are large enough to be mapped as H1. They are all located at the edge of the project area, near Ptarmigan Head. However, many high fens contain small ponds, or areas of open water, and the H1-3 complex is relatively common. Most headwater fens lack open water and are dominated by sedges and a diverse herbaceous plant community.
