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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Relict Glacial Lakebed Map Units: LB34; LB43
Extent: LB34: 96 wetland polygons; 538.6 ha; 0.26% of wetland area; 0.58% of wetland polygons. LB43: 95 wetland polygons; 1103.1 ha; 0.78% of wetland area; 0.58% of wetland polygons. |
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 A mixed LB34 unit near Clam Creek (polygon 2222).
A segregated LB43 unit near Bill Besser Lake, along the Point Possession coastal strip. |
Wetland Indicators Type: Peat Average depth to water table: LB3: 9.9 cm; n=13 LB4: 19.5 cm; n=50 Organic layer thickness: LB3: 119.2 cm; n=13 LB4: 116.0 cm; n=52 Average depth to redoximorphic features: LB3: n/a LB4: 79.0 cm; n=3 Common Soils: LB3: STARICHKOF, DOROSHIN LB4: STARICHKOF, DOROSHIN, SALAMATOF, NIKOLAI Common Plant communities: LB3 component: Sphagnum moss - Ericaceous shrub Sphagnum moss / Tall cottongrass Sphagnum moss - Manyflower sedge Tufted bulrush – Fewflower sedge Fewflower sedge – Tall cottongrass LB4 component: Sweetgale - Shrubby cinquefoil Sphagnum moss - Ericaceous shrub |
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Accuracy assessment: 14 polygons interpreted as LB34 on
aerial photographs were field checked. 8 remained LB34; 2 were revised
to LB24; 1 each was revised to
DW3, LB2, LB23
and LB32. 17 polygons interpreted as LB43 on aerial photographs were field checked. 9 remained LB43; 2 each were revised to LB34 and LB24; 1 each was revised to K3, LB23, LB2-4 and LB46. |
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LB34 and LB43 complexes occur with a water table somewhat below the surface, and with spahgnum moss and shrub plant communities. Where sphagnum moss plant communities dominate, the wetland is named LB34; where a denser shrub community is present it is named LB43. These wetlands are widespread and relatively common, typically occupying small portions of large peatland complexes.
The components LB3 and LB4 may be segregated or mixed. Where they segregate, the shrubby component (LB4) borders a forest (LB6) towards the upland, and the sphagnum component (LB3) either occupies the center of the wetland, or borders a wetter sedge or sweetgale (Myrica gale) dominated component (LB2) towards the center. When the components mix, shrubby hummocks emerge from a sphagnum lawn. These complexes occupy a zone between the shallow water table, sweetgale (Myrica gale) or sedge-dominated component (LB2) often found towards the center of a wetland, and a forested (LB6) component which frequently forms a fringe bordering the upland.
