The hydrology of a wetland is such that the area is permanently or periodically inundated or saturated at the soil surface for a period of time during the growing season such as a swamp, marsh, or bog. The presence (or absence) of water is not necessarily a good method for identifying wetlands because the amount of water generally fluctuates depending on such things as rainfall patterns, snow melt, dry seasons, longer droughts, and tidal patterns. Often the same wetland can appear to be an open body of water some times and a dry field at other times due to significant fluctuations in water levels. The three water sources that contribute to wetlands are:
- precipitation falling within the wetland
- groundwater moving up or out from the subsurface of the wetland
- surface flow from the surrounding watershed or nearby water bodies (lakes, streams, oceans, etc.)
Generally, wetlands are located within topographic features that are lower in elevation that the surrounding landscape such as depressions, valleys, and flat areas. This soil is classified as hydric soil. This means that the soil is saturated and has little or no oxygen.
At the posted coordinates you will learn about the hydrologic (water related) benefits this wetland has on the surrounding area. The first hydrologic benefit is that the wetland helps to prevent flooding and store water. It functions as natural sponge that traps and slowly releases surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. This helps to lower flood heights and reduce erosion. Since this wetland is within and downstream of urban areas it helps to counteract the greatly increased rate and volume of surface water runoff from pavement and buildings.
Logging Requirements: Read the two markers at the coordinates and answer the following question in an email to me:
1) What are the 4 R's?
2) If this wetland was paved over water would happen here the next time in rained?
Logs that do not meet ALL 2 of the above requirements will be deleted.