California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...
California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...
California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...
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<strong>Cali<strong>for</strong>nia</strong> <strong>Rapid</strong> <strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>Method</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Wetlands</strong> v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 4<br />
4.3.2 Topographic Complexity<br />
A. Definition: Topographic complexity refers to the micro- and macro-topographic relief<br />
within a wetland due to physical, abiotic features and elevations gradients.<br />
B. Rationale: Topographic complexity promotes variable hydroperiods and concomitant<br />
moisture gradients that, in turn, promote ecological complexity by increasing the spatial and<br />
temporal variability in energy dissipation, surface water storage, groundwater recharge,<br />
particulate matter detention, cycling of elements and compounds, and habitat dynamics. Areas<br />
that are aerated due to flow across complex surfaces may promote volatilization of compounds,<br />
or re-suspension and export of water-borne material.<br />
C. Seasonality: This metric is not sensitive to seasonality.<br />
D. Field Indicators: Topographic complexity is assessed by noting the overall variability in<br />
physical patches and topographic features (Table 4.17 and Figure 4.6). Care must be taken to<br />
distinguish indicators of topographic complexity or habitat features within a wetland from<br />
different kinds of wetlands. For each type of wetland, topographic complexity can be evaluated<br />
by observing the number of elevational features that affect moisture gradients or that influence<br />
the path of water flow along a transect across the AA, and the amount of micro-topographic<br />
relief along the gradients or flow paths. Topographic gradients may be indicated by plant<br />
assemblages with different inundation/saturation or salinity tolerances. Tables 4.18a-d provide<br />
narratives <strong>for</strong> rating Topographic Complexity <strong>for</strong> all wetland types.<br />
Table 4.17: Typical indicators of Macro- and Micro-topographic Complexity <strong>for</strong> each<br />
wetland type.<br />
Type<br />
Depressional<br />
and Playas<br />
Estuarine<br />
Lacustrine<br />
Riverine<br />
Slope<br />
<strong>Wetlands</strong><br />
Vernal Pools<br />
and Pool<br />
Systems<br />
Examples of Topographic Features<br />
pools, islands, bars, mounds or hummocks, variegated shorelines, soil<br />
cracks, partially buried debris, plant hummocks, livestock tracks<br />
channels large and small, islands, bars, pannes, potholes, natural levees,<br />
shellfish beds, hummocks, slump blocks, first-order tidal creeks, soil<br />
cracks, partially buried debris, plant hummocks<br />
islands, bars, boulders, cliffs, benches, variegated shorelines, cobble,<br />
boulders, partially buried debris, plant hummocks<br />
pools, runs, glides, pits, ponds, hummocks, bars, debris jams, cobble,<br />
boulders, slump blocks, tree-fall holes, plant hummocks<br />
pools, runnels, plant hummocks, burrows, plant hummocks, cobbles,<br />
boulders, partially buried debris, cattle or sheep tracks<br />
soil cracks, “mima-mounds,” rivulets between pools or along swales,<br />
cobble, plant hummocks, cattle or sheep tracks<br />
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