| Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune | ||
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Wetland Types |
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| Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune | ||
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Wetland Types |
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There are many types of wetlands found on Camp Lejeune. Each has its own characteristics that add to the diverse ecosystem of Camp Lejeune. Listed below are different wetlands found on base and the characteristics that make each one unique.
Saltwater Wetlands
Estuarine (New River) - consists of deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands (i.e. tidal creeks, marshes) that are partly enclosed by land but have an access to the ocean. This body of water is where freshwater is mixed with seawater which creates a nutrient rich ecosystem that is critical for the reproduction and development of many saltwater fish species.
Salt Marsh - formed on intertidal land by seawater flooding and draining. This ecosystem is characterized by poorly drained mineral soils and by plant life dominated by grasses. Fewer plant species grow in marshes than on well-watered but not waterlogged land, however these species are specially adapted for this type of habitat.
Bays and Tidal Creeks - These areas are smaller bodies off the main river that fluctuate with the tide. Many marine species use these areas to their advantage for feeding.
Freshwater Wetlands
Carolina Bays - Isolated wetlands in natural shallow depressions dominated by organic soils that are largely fed by rain and shallow groundwater. Carolina bays vary in size, depth, and soil type, and have a northwest to southeast orientation (usually tapering towards the southeast). Some bays stay wet all year while other vary with the seasons.
Pine Flatwoods - Occur on flat, or nearly flat poorly drained, acidic, sandy soils. Their soils are wet most of the year due to high water tables. These ecosystems contain longleaf, and loblolly pines with a wiregrass understory.
Pocosin - Pocosins are generally characterized by having nutrient poor peat soils, and an extremely thick scrub/shrub or forested (depending on growth stage) plant community. Pocosins are good filters because they prevent rapid surface run-off, filtering out sediments and nutrients before they enter larger water bodies. Also, their mucky soils can act like sponges for flood control.
Bottomland Hardwoods - These areas are found along the floodplains of streams and rivers. Water from rainfall, groundwater, and tides cover the area with water either part or most of the year.
Riverine (New River) - Further upstream the New River forms a riverine system. This includes all wetlands and deepwater habitat contained within a channel except where vegetation dominates and where the water has a heavier salt concentration than fresh.
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Environmental Management Division |
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune |
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Installations & Environment Department |
Last Updated: August 14, 2002 |
