Everglades Handbook Chapter 1

Which wetland hosts non-woody vegetation and has scattered trees?

Marshes

What is hydric soil?

soil that has been saturated with water long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic (low-oxygen) conditions. Commonly found in wetlands and supports the growth of water-loving plants

A wetland is defined as:

An area of the Earth's surface that regularly or periodically gets covered by shallow water; lands where ground water periodically rises close enough to the surface to saturate the soil

What are two unique features of the Everglades?

1. Receives most of it's nutrients from atmosphere; 'sheet flow' system
2. High-quality water supply for the human population of Florida's southeastern coast, and agriculture

Climate is defined as:

Average long-term traits of the atmosphere, including the statistics and frequency of severe weather

Weather is defined as:

Describes the day to day of atmospheric conditions

Peat soils are remains from:

organic remains of roots from wetland plants (anaerobic conditions). This soil is a product of long term flooding wetlands. It occurs in areas of deeper bedrock and is composed of organic remains of dead plants.

Marls are attributed to:

mineral soils; product of periphyton, which is a complex mix of algae, cyanobacteria, microbes, and detritus. This soil is common in short term flooding prairie areas (aerobic conditions)

When is the wet season in Everglades?

May to November

When is the dry season in Everglades?

December to April

What is periphyton?

mixture of algea, cyanobacteria, microbes and detritus

What is a Hydroperiod?

seasonal pattern of water level (flooding) in a wetland

What is a Long Hydroperiod?

10 months or longer

What is a short hydroperiod?

7 months or less

What is an intermediate hydroperiod?

Between 7 and 10 months

What is a Hydro pattern?

Referring to water level and depth. Understood by hydrographs showing water levels over time.

El Nino

an irregularly occurring and complex series of climatic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region and beyond every few years, characterized by the appearance of unusual warming of surface waters in eastern pacific ocean. Brings extra-tropical cyclones to South US during dry season. Reduced rainfall

La Nina

A climate event in the western Pacific Ocean in which surface waters are colder than normal. Characterized by low air pressures and increased rainfall

What spawns cold fronts in South FL?

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