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Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Relict Glacial Drainageway Map Component: DW3
Extent: 197 wetland polygons; 1196.5 ha; 0.84% of
wetland area; 1.19% of wetland polygons. |
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A DW3 unit in a large peatland complex off of Cohoe Loop Road (polygon 9320). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Peat Average depth to water table: 32.1 cm; n=36 Organic layer thickness: 102.2 cm; n=40 Average depth to redoximorphic features: 67.8 cm; n=6 Common Soils: STARICHKOF, NIKOLAI, DOROSHIN, SLIKOK, COAL CREEK Common Plant communities: Sweetgale – Dwarf birch / Water horsetail Barclay's willow / Bluejoint / Marsh fivefinger Sweetgale – Shrubby cinquefoil
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| Accuracy assessment: 33 polygons interpreted as DW3 on aerial photographs were field checked. 12 remained DW3; 4 were revised to DW5; 3 were revised to DW2-4; 2 each were revised to: DW34, K3 and LB3; 1 each was revised as DW1-3, DW2, DW23, DW35, DW3-5A, DW5A5, LB23 and SS. | |
DW3 wetlands are widespread and common. They occur in Relict Glacial Drainageway Ecosystems dominated by shrubby hummocks. The water table is close to the surface, and the microtopography is well-developed with thick shrubs ranging from tall thin-leaf alder (Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia) to knee-high sweetgale (Myrica gale) and dwraf birch (Betula nana), on microtopographic highs and standing water and occupying the closely spaced micro-lows. This component is found by itself or in complexes in a variety of locations, from the edges of 'underfit' modern drainages to where streams cross Relict Glacial Lakebed ecosystem terrace treads.
