26 Questions
What is the definition of a hydrophyte?
A plant that inhabits wetlands
What is the characteristic of hydric soil?
It has low oxygen content due to periodic saturation
What are SAVs in wetland ecosystems?
Aquatic plants rooted in sediment with upper parts fully submerged
What is the definition of a pneumatophore?
Extensions of roots that stick up into the air
What is the measure of the moisture content or humidity in the air expressed as a percentage?
Relative humidity
Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
Mercury barometer
What is the combined process of water vapor being released into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration?
Evapotranspiration
What is the measure of the ability to conduct electrical currents?
Conductivity
What is the most common wetland ecological type in Maryland?
Palustrine
What region of Maryland contains the greatest acres of forested wetlands?
Eastern shore of the coastal plain
How is peat formed?
It is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter and is unique to natural areas called peatlands
What are 3 indicators that define a wetland?
Vegetation, soil, and evapotranspiration
What are the five ecological systems (or water regimes) in which wetlands may be found in Maryland?
Tidal freshwater marshes, tidal brackish marshes, saltwater marshes, cypress swamps, and riparian wetlands
What are 6 indicators of wetland hydrology?
Inundation, soil saturation, oxidized rhizospheres, water marks, drift or scour lines, and sediment deposits
What is the term for the point at which the air cannot hold more water vapor and is temperature dependent?
Saturation vapor pressure (SVP)
Which instrument is used to measure the total integrated weight of air molecules above a certain point?
Mercury barometer
What is the term for a measure of the ability to conduct electrical currents?
Conductivity
What process is the release of water vapor by plants known as?
Transpiration
What is the term for the combined process of water vapor being released into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration?
Evapotranspiration
What is the most common wetland ecological type in Maryland?
Palustrine
What region of Maryland contains the greatest acres of forested wetlands?
Eastern shore of the coastal plain
How is peat formed?
It is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter and is unique to natural areas called peatlands
What are 3 indicators that define a wetland?
Vegetation, soil, and hydrology
What are 6 indicators of wetland hydrology?
Inundation, soil saturation, oxidized rhizospheres, water marks, drift or scour lines, and sediment deposits
What region of Maryland contains the greatest acres of forested wetlands?
Eastern shore of the coastal plain
What are the five ecological systems (or water regimes) in which wetlands may be found in Maryland?
Tidal freshwater marshes, tidal brackish marshes, saltwater marshes, cypress swamps, and riparian wetlands
Study Notes
Wetland Ecology
- A hydrophyte is a plant adapted to living in water or wet soil.
Soil Characteristics
- Hydric soil is characterized by low oxygen levels, high water tables, and limited drainage.
Wetland Ecosystems
- SAVs (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) are plants that grow underwater in wetland ecosystems.
Plant Adaptations
- A pneumatophore is a specialized root system that allows plants to breathe in oxygen-poor environments.
Atmospheric Measurements
- Relative humidity is the measure of the moisture content or humidity in the air, expressed as a percentage.
- Atmospheric pressure is measured using a barometer.
- Conductivity is the measure of the ability to conduct electrical currents.
Wetland Processes
- Evapotranspiration is the combined process of water vapor being released into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration.
- Transpiration is the release of water vapor by plants.
Wetland Types
- The most common wetland ecological type in Maryland is freshwater wetlands.
- The western region of Maryland contains the greatest acres of forested wetlands.
Peat Formation
- Peat is formed through the accumulation of partially decayed plant matter in oxygen-poor conditions.
Wetland Indicators
- Three indicators that define a wetland are:
- Hydrophytic vegetation
- Hydric soil
- Wetland hydrology
- Six indicators of wetland hydrology are:
- Flood frequency
- Water table depth
- Soil saturation
- Surface water connection
- Water chemistry
- Sediment composition
Ecological Systems
- The five ecological systems (or water regimes) in which wetlands may be found in Maryland are:
- Freshwater
- Brackish
- Saltwater
- Tidal
- Non-tidal
Test your knowledge of wetland plants and soil with this quiz! Explore hydrophytes, hydric soil, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), bogs, and oxidized rhizosphere as you answer questions and learn about these fascinating aspects of wetland ecosystems.
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