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

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 4
Rating
A
Table 4.18b: Rating of Topographic Complexity for all Estuarine Wetlands.
Alternative States
(based on diagrams in Figure 4.6 above)
The vegetated plain of the AA in cross-section has a variety of microtopographic
features created by plants, animal tracks, cracks, partially buried
debris, retrogressing channels (i.e., channels filling-in with sediment and plants),
natural levees along channels, potholes and pannes that together comprise a
complex array of ups and downs resembling diagram A in Figure 4.6b.
B
C
D
The vegetated plain of the AA has a variety of micro-topographic features as
described above for “A” but they are less abundant and/or they comprise less
variability in elevation overall, as illustrated in diagram B of Figure 4.6b.
The vegetated plain of the AA has a variety of micro-topographic features as
described above for “A” but lacks well-formed tidal channels that are welldrained
during ebb tide. If channels exist, they mostly do not drain well or are
filling-in with sediment. The plain overall resembles diagram C of Figure 4.6b.
The vegetated plain of the AA has little or no micro-topographic relief and few
or no well-formed channels. The plain resembles diagram D of Figure 4.6b.
Table 4.18c: Rating of Topographic Complexity for all Riverine Wetlands.
Alternative States
Rating
(based on diagrams in Figure 4.6 above)
A
AA as viewed along a typical cross-section has at least two benches or breaks in
slope, including the riparian area of the AA, above the channel bottom, not
including the thalweg. Each of these benches, plus the slopes between the
benches, as well as the channel bottom area contain physical patch types or
features such as boulders or cobbles, animal burrows, partially buried debris,
slump blocks, furrows or runnels that contribute to abundant micro-topographic
relief as illustrated in profile A of Figure 4.6c.
B
C
D
AA has at least two benches or breaks in slope above the channel bottom area of
the AA, but these benches and slopes mostly lack abundant micro-topographic
complexity. The AA resembles profile B of Figure 4.6c.
AA has a single bench or obvious break in slope that may or may not have
abundant micro-topographic complexity, as illustrated in profile C of Figure 4.6c.
AA as viewed along a typical cross-section lacks any obvious break in slope or
bench. The cross-section is best characterized as a single, uniform slope with or
without micro-topographic complexity, as illustrated in profile D of Figure 4.6c
(includes concrete channels).
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