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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: D3
Seward Area Extent: 9 wetland polygons; 9.8 acres. |
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 A D3 wetland on the bedrock knob near the mouth of Sawmill Creek. |
Wetland Indicators Type: Peat, or mineral Average depth to water table: 20 cm Organic layer thickness: 150+ cm, if peat, 20 cm if mineral soil Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a if peat, 8 cm if mineral soil Common Soils: Typic Cryohemists Typic Cryaquods Common Plant communities: Crowberry - Labrador tea (Empetrum nigrum - Ledum palustre spp. decumbens) Sphagnum - Ericad (Sphagnum spp. - Ericaceous shrub) Fewflower sedge - Dwarf birch (Carex pauciflora - Betula nana) NWI: PSS1,3&4B HGM: Terrene Basin Isolated |
D3 is the map component in a depressional wetland with a deeper water table. Around Seward, D3 wetlands are often dominated by crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and/or fewflower sedge (Carex pauciflora). A few stunted mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) may be present. 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 mixed with lower, wetter sedge-dominated areas (D23 or D32).
