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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions
Ecosystem: Relict Glacial Lakebed Map Unit: LB21; LB12
Extent: LB21: 68 wetland polygons; 1038.3 ha; 0.73% of wetland area; 0.41% of wetland polygons. LB12: 30 wetland polygons; 214.4 ha; 0.15% of wetland area; 0.18% of wetland polygons. |
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 A mixed LB21 unit with incipient strang-flark development in a fen near Ninilchik Dome (polygon 2934).
The LB2 sweetgale and sedge component of a more or less segregated LB12 unit near Kasilof (polygon 9205). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Peat Average depth to water table: LB1: n/a LB2: 11.3 cm; n=32 Organic layer thickness: LB1: n/a LB2: 146.6 cm; n=36 Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: LB1: pond LB2: STARICHKOF, DOROSHIN Common Plant communities: LB1 component:
LB2 component: Tufted bulrush - Tall cottongrass Sweetgale – Dwarf birch / Water horsetail |
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Accuracy assessment: 15 polygons interpreted as LB21 on
aerial photographs were field checked. 7 remained LB21; 3 were revised
to LB2; 2 were revised to LB24;
1 each was revised to: H2, LB1-3
and LB6. 5 polygons interpreted as LB12 on aerial photographs were field checked. 4 remained LB12; 1 was revised to LB2. |
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LB21 complexes are a relatively common and widespread on Relict Glacial Lakebed Ecosystems with an open water component (LB1) and a sedge or sweetgale (Myrica gale) dominated plant community (LB2). Where the open water dominates the unit is named LB12, and where shallow water table plant communities dominate it is named LB21. The two components are usually mixed, although they may segregate where a large pool or pools are present surrounded by sedge communities with a shallow water table. When mixed, the wetland is a subtle, incipient strang-flark feature with low sedge and sweetgale dominated strangs and intervening open-water pools.
