Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska An extension of wetland classification and mapping of the Kenai Lowland   Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Depression   Map Component: D2   Seward Area Extent: 6 wetland polygons; 4.9 acres.

 

Sedges dominate the  D2 portion of this D32 wetland near the Snow River.

Wetland Indicators Type: Peat Average depth to water table: 20 cm Organic layer thickness: 150+ cm Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: Typic Cryohemists Common Plant communities: Sitka sedge (Carex sitchensis) Sphagnum - tall cottongrass (Sphagnum spp. - Eriophorum angustifolium) NWI: PEM1F HGM: Terrene Basin Isolated.  When adjacent to a central lake: Lentic Fringe Isolated.

 

D2 is the map component in a depressional wetland with a water table at or near the surface.  Around Seward, D2 wetlands are often dominated by sedges and/or dwarf birch (Betula nana).  These are small peatlands in bedrock depressions not hydrologically connected at or very near the surface with other wetlands.  This component is most commonly found as a distinct unit, but it is also found in a concentrically arranged or mixed complex.  Concentric complexes include other depression map components, especially a central pond (D1).  Mixed complexes often contain micro-topographic low spots occupied by sedges, and hummocks occupied by shrubs (D3).  At two wetlands, both ponds, and a fringe of shrubs border sedge-dominated areas (D1-3).