|
Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions Ecosystem: Kettle Map Unit: K2-4; K24; K42
Extent: K2-4: 89 wetland polygons; 572.1 ha; 0.40% of wetland area; 0.54% of wetland polygons. K24: 11 wetland polygons; 42.8 ha; 0.03% of wetland area; 0.07% of wetland polygons. K42: 10 wetland polygons; 72.1 ha; 0.05% of wetland area; 0.06% of wetland polygons. |
|
 A segregated K2-4 wetland near Kasliof (polygon 9478).
A segregated K24 wetland in the Soldotna Creek watershed (polygon 630).
A segregated K42 wetland behind the late-Wisconsin moraine east of Sterling (polygon (21925). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Peat Average depth to water table: K2: 9.1 cm; n=39 K3: 28.1 cm; n=60 K4: 30.2 cm; n=32 Organic layer thickness: K2: 136.0 cm; n=41 K3: 98.8 cm; n=60 K4: 74.9 cm; n=32 Average depth to redoximorphic features: K2: 18.0 cm; n=6 K3: 19.0 cm; n=3 K4: 46.7 cm; n=6 Common Soils: K2: STARICHKOF, DOROSHIN, SALAMATOF K3: STARICHKOF, DOROSHIN, TRUULI, NIKOLAI, SALAMATOF, CHUNILNA K4: STARICHKOF, SLIKOK, DOROSHIN, CLAM GULCH Common Plant communities: K2 Component: Sphagnum moss / Tall cottongrass Tufted bulrush - Tall cottongrass Sphagnum moss - Creeping sedge K3 Component: Sphagnum moss - Ericaceous shrub Sphagnum moss – Manyflower sedge
K4 Component: |
|
Accuracy assessment: 18 polygons interpreted as K2-4 on
aerial photographs were field checked. 11 remained K2-4; 2 each were revised
to K34 and K4; 1 each was revised
to: K23, K43 and
LB36. 2 polygons interpreted as K24 on aerial photographs were field checked. 1 remained K24, the other was revised to K32. 2 polygons interpreted as K42 on aerial photographs were field checked. Both remained K42. |
|
These infrequent kettle map units occur segregated as concentric rings of sedge dominated plant communities (K2) surrounded by shrubbier communities with a deeper water table (K3), which are, in turn, surrounded by woodland or forest (K4). On the south of Clam Gulch K2-4 components can be found mixed together in a forested kettle with a wet, hummocky understory. Whether mixed or segregated, they typically occur as discrete wetlands. However, where kettles are larger, such as on the interlobate moraine between Nikiski and Sterling, they can exist as a separate portion of a large kettle containing an open water (K1) center.
In Homer, the name K2-4d refers to a wetland that was K2-4 but is now disturbed.
