Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska       Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Depression   Map Component: D2   Extent: 130 wetland polygons; 124.9 ha; 0.09% of wetland area; 0.79% of wetland polygons.

 

A small D2 wetland at the western edge of the late Wisconsin moraine east of Sterling (polygon 21108).

Wetland Indicators No Data Available Type: Peat Average depth to water table: 6.8 cm; n=5 Organic layer thickness:146.2 cm; n=5 Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: STARICHKOF and DOROSHIN Common Plant communities: Sweetgale – Livid sedge Tall cottongrass - Livid sedge Beaked sedge – Water horsetail Tufted bulrush - Dwarf birch   NWI: PEM1F HGM: Terrene Basin Isolated.  When adjacent to a central lake: Lentic Fringe Isolated.

Accuracy assessment: 13 polygons interpreted as D2 on aerial photographs were field checked.  1 remained D2, 1each was revised to D21, D23, D2-4, D3 and K34.  4 were revised to upland and 3 were revised to D32.

 

D2 wetlands are small and occur primarily on the late Wisconsin-aged moraine east of Sterling.  These map components represent the zone in a Depression Ecosystem usually dominated by sedges, but with sweetgale (Myrica gale) and dwarf birch (Betula nana) often present, and a water table at or near the surface.  It can occur isolated (with other zones covering less than about 10%), or more commonly, as a complex with other components.  As with other Depression Ecosystem wetlands, this component is most often found on more recent (Naptowne) land-terminating glacial moraines, such as the large 'Moosehorn' moraine east of Sterling, or the small 'Killey' advance moraine between Tustumena Lake and Kasilof.