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What are the five systems of USFWS Classification (Cowardin)?
What are the five systems of USFWS Classification (Cowardin)?
- Estuarine (correct)
- Palustrine (correct)
- Lacustrine (correct)
- Marine (correct)
- Riverine (correct)
What defines marine wetlands?
What defines marine wetlands?
Wetlands in open ocean overlaying the continental shelf and high energy coastline, influenced by oceanic tides, with salinities >0.5%, commonly >30%, and absent of emergent trees and shrubs.
What defines estuarine wetlands?
What defines estuarine wetlands?
Wetlands in deepwater tidal habitats, semi-enclosed by land with access to ocean, influenced by oceanic tides, with salinities >0.5% (diluted by freshwater) and present emergent trees and shrubs.
What defines riverine wetlands?
What defines riverine wetlands?
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Study Notes
USFWS Classification (Cowardin)
- Classification consists of five systems: Marine, Estuarine, Riverine, Lacustrine, Palustrine.
- Vegetation is the primary classification criterion, not based on functionality.
Marine Wetlands
- Found in open ocean areas over the continental shelf with high-energy coastlines.
- Characterized by tidal influence from the ocean, resulting in unique water regimes.
- Salinity levels are typically greater than 0.5%, often exceeding 30%.
- Emergent trees and shrubs are absent in these wetland types.
Estuarine Wetlands
- Located in deepwater tidal habitats that are semi-enclosed by land and connected to the ocean.
- Water regimes are significantly impacted by oceanic tides.
- Salinities exceed 0.5%, with mixing from freshwater sources leading to lower overall salinity.
- Emergent trees and shrubs thrive in these environments.
Riverine Wetlands
- Defined as wetlands situated within channels, typically freshwater flow systems.
- Water regimes are not influenced by oceanic tides.
- Specific salinity levels are not detailed but differ from estuarine systems.
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