Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions
Ecosystem: Tidal
Map Unit: T05
Extent: 1 wetland polygon; 0.7 ha; 0.0% of wetland area; 0.0% of wetland polygons.
 The single mudflat and Ramensk's sedge wetland (T05), in the lagoon on the west side of the Homer Spit (polygon 50627). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Tidal Average depth to water table: T5: 8.0 cm; n=1 Organic layer thickness: T5: at least 150 cm; n=1 Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: CLUNIE Common Plant communities: T0 Component: Mud, tidal flat T5 Component: |
The single T05 wetland lies in a lagoon on the west side of the base of Homer spit, where infrequent clumps of Ramensks' sedge occupy a mudflat. This lagoon has been disturbed, and the sedge may be colonizing a mudflat. When the Homer Spit road was re-located to its current position, in 1944, its connection to Mud Bay, on the east side of the spit was severed. Its outlet was closed off following the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and was re-opened in 1994. It closed naturally in 1994 following a storm, and was re-opened the next year (Erickson, et.al, 2000).
