California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 4
A
4.6a
A
B
C
B
C
D
D
4.6b
A
A
B
B
C
C
4.6c
D
Figure 4.6: Scale-independent schematic profiles
of Topographic Complexity.
Each profile A-D represents one-half of a
characteristic cross-section through an AA for
(4.6a) Slope, Playas, Depressional Wetlands
and Individual Vernal Pools, (4.6b) Estuarine
Wetlands, and (4.6c) Lacustrine and Riverine
Wetlands. The right end of each profile
represents one edge of the AA. For vernal
pool systems, the right end (4.6a) represents
the lower margin of the upland matrix,
slightly above the edge of a large or small
vernal pool.
Rating
A
B
C
D
Table 4.18a: Rating of Topographic Complexity for Depressional Wetlands,
Playas, Individual Vernal Pools, and Slope Wetlands.
Alternative States
(based on diagrams in Figure 4.6 above)
AA as viewed along a typical cross-section has at least two benches or breaks
in slope, and each of these benches, plus the slopes between them contain
physical patch types or features that contribute to abundant microtopographic
relief or variability as illustrated in profile A of Figure 4.6a.
AA has at least two benches or breaks in slope above the middle area or
bottom zone of the AA, but these benches and slopes mostly lack abundant
micro-topographic relief. The AA resembles profile B of Figure 4.6a.
AA lacks any obvious break in slope or bench, and is best characterized has a
single slope that has at least a moderate amount of micro-topographic
complexity, as illustrated in profile C of Figure 4.6a.
AA has a single, uniform slope with little or no micro-topographic complexity,
as illustrated in profile D of Figure 4.6a.
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