Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska     Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Tidal   Map Component: T5   Seward Area Extent: 1 wetland polygon; 0.6 acres

T5 is represented by the open water pools and lower sedge in the distance, in this photo taken near the mouth of the Resurrection River.

Wetland Indicators Type: Tidal Average depth to water table: Varies with tidal stage, pools often persistent Organic layer thickness: not measured Average depth to redoximorphic features: not measured Common Soils: probably Oxyaquic Cryofluvents Common Plant communities: Open water pools Ramensk's sedge (Carex ramenskii)

 

T5 corresponds with Vince and Snow's (1984) 'Outer Sedge Marsh Zone 3', estimated to be inundated on only the highest spring tides, or an average of 3 times per summer on the Susitna Flats (with a range of 0-5 times per summer), in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska.  Vince and Snow also found that water was retained for 2-3 days per inundation. 

 

Pools with common mare's tail (Hippuris vulgairs) and saltmarsh starwort (Stellaria humifusa) are frequently encountered within this zone; and between it and the landward Lyngbye's sedge (Carex lyngbyei) zone (T6).  In the more restricted tidal range of Resurrection Bay (compared to Cook Inlet), open mudflats are usually found seaward.  The rare plant, Kamchatka spikerush (Eleocharis kamchatica) is sometimes encountered in the T5 zone around Cook Inlet.

 

Ramensk's sedge is a stabilized hybrid between Hoppner's sedge (Carex subspathacea) which purportedly occurs in Western Alaska and further north, and Lyngbye's sedge (FNA ed. comm., 2002).  Sometimes accurate identification is impossible.