Characterization of high elevation central Appalachian wetlands

K.E. Francl; Mark Ford; S.B. and Castleberry

doi:10.2737/NE-RP-725

Treesearch

Characterization of high elevation central Appalachian wetlands

Informally Refereed

Authors:

K.E. Francl, Mark Ford, S.B. and Castleberry

Year:

2004

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/NE-RP-725

Source:

Res. Pap. NE-725. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 26 p.

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Download (PDF 1.45 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/6772.pdf

Abstract

We characterized 20 high elevation wetlands in the central Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and Maryland, in terms of vegetation, soils, hydrology, and geology. Plant species were distributed along soil chemical (pH, conductivity) and physical (organic matter depth) gradients across sites. Topography and geology appear to explain differences among these wetlands, as reflected by soil and chemistry measures and vegetation distribution. Our work provides substantial quantitative baseline data for these uncommon high elevation wetlands, emphasizing the importance and diversity of these isolated systems.

Keywords

bog, central Appalachian Mountains, fen, geology, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, wetland characterization

Citation

Francl, K.E.; Ford, W.M.; and Castleberry, S.B. 2004. Characterization of high elevation central Appalachian wetlands. Res. Pap. NE-725. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 26 p.