Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions
Ecosystem: Tidal
Map Unit: T41; T1-4; T14
Extent:
T41: 4 wetland polygon; 12.8 ha; 0.01% of wetland area; 0.02% of wetland polygons.
T1-4: 3 wetland polygon; 30.3 ha; 0.02% of wetland area; 0.02% of wetland polygons.
T14: 1 wetland polygon; 22.5 ha; 0.02% of wetland area; 0.01% of wetland polygons.
 A T41 complex in Mariner Lagoon, at the base of the Homer Spit (polygon 50697).
A T1-4 complex near the mouth of the Kenai River (polygon 8488).
The single T14 wetland, near the mouth of the Kasilof River (polygon 8663). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Mineral or Peat Average depth to water table: T1: at least 150 cm; n=1 T2: n/a T3: at least 150 cm; n=1 T4: 114 cm; n=4 Organic layer thickness: T1: 48.0 cm; n=1 T2: n/a T3: 23.5; n=2 T4: 25.5; n=2 Average depth to redoximorphic features: T1: 0.0 cm; n=1 T2: n/a T3: 0.0; n=2 T4: 0.2 cm; n=5 Common Soils: CLUNIE Common Plant communities: T1 Component: T2 Component: T3 Component: Marsh arrowgrass – Seaside arrowgrass T4 Component: |
T1-4 wetlands are uncommon complexes containing all of the Tidal Ecosystem map components from low-lying saltpannes, creeping alkaligrass and goosetongue edges to Hultén's and Nootka alkaligrass (Puccinellia hulténii and P. nukaënsis) on broad, flat, low levees.
The goosetongue and arrowgrass components (T3) often occur adjacent to tidal guts, and flood frequently (8 times per summer- retaining water for 2-3 hours per inundation); while the T4 alkaligrass component floods somewhat more frequently (15 times per summer), and retains water longer (2-5 days). The T2, creeping alkaligrass component floods frequently (34 times per summer) and retains water for 4-5 hours per inundation (Vince and Snow, 1984). Vince and Snow did not record saltpannes on their study of the Susitna River tidal flats, but presumably they flood less frequently, and drain slowly.
T41 and T14 are complexes of saltpannes with glasswort (Salicornia maritima) and stickystem pearlwort (Sagina maxima) (T1) and low levees dominated by alkaligrass (T4). The dominant component is named first.
