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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Relict Glacial Lakebed Map Component: LB5
Extent: 6 wetland polygons; 14.3 ha; 0.01% of wetland area; 0.04% of wetland polygons. |
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 The LB5 portion of a large peatland complex south of Ninilchik (polygon 2182). |
Wetland Indicators No Data Available Type: Peat or Mineral Average depth to water table: 57.0 cm; n=2 Organic layer thickness: 78.5 cm; n=2 Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: NIKOLAI, DOROSHIN Common Plant communities:
NWI: PEM1Eg HGM: Terrene Slope/Flat groundwater-dominated Throughflow |
| Accuracy assessment: 2 polygons interpreted as LB5 on aerial photographs were field checked. Neither remained LB5; 1 each was revised to LB3 and LB32. | |
The rare LB5 map component occurs in areas of Relict Glacial Lakebeds dominated by bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis). Depth to the water table is variable, but it is usually found at or near the surface. LB5 is typically encountered at the borders of Relict Glacial Lakebeds where the peat is thin and the groundwater is in contact with a mineral substrate. These conditions are often encountered where a Relict Glacial Drainageway flows onto a Lakebed, or at a terrace margin. LB5 can also indicate human disturbance.
Bluejoint grass is often a component of Relict Glacial Lakebed wetlands, but in order for the wetland to be mapped with an LB5 component, the bluejoint component must cover at least 10% as a more or less dense, monotypic stand.
