Chapter 10

Hydrogeomorphic classification of wetlands

Outline:

• wetland definition
• Cowardin classification system (USFWS)
• Hydrogeomorphic Classification system (HGM)
  • Genetic factors - geomorphic setting, water source, hydrodynamics
  • Slope wetlands
  • Riverine wetlands
  • Depressional wetlands
  • Lacustrine wetlands
  • Mineral soil flats
  • Organic soil flats
  • Tidal wetlands

Course Reader:

• Pages 10-20 of Smith, R. D., Ammann, A., Bartoldus, C., Brinson, M. M. 1995. An approach for assessing wetland functions using hydrogeomorphic classification, reference wetlands, and functional indices. Technical Report WRP-DE-9, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Related web links:

• Wetland pictures- You should look these over and think about which HGM classes they fit into
• Primer on wetlands
• National Wetland Inventory
• California Wetlands Information System
• Wetland mitigation banking

Video Podcast: Hydrogeomorphic Classification of Wetlands

This 43-minute presentation defines the common elements all wetlands share and then delineates wetlands into groups on the basis of shared landforms and processes.

• 640 x 480 (480p) format that balances speed and quality. (383 MB file)
• 1920 x 1280 (HD) format that provides larges size and best quality. (2.0 GB file)

YouTube Video: Wetland Delineation

This 6-minute video illustrates basic concepts in the practical delineation of a wetland.

Group Presentations 2 :: Next Chapter