National Wetlands inventory
Select two aquatic classification systems and classify five aquatic features (i.e.,wetlands,river,lake,estuary,etc.) in an area of your choosing (e.g.,ecoregion,state,county,etc.). Be sure to compare and contrast the two aquatic classification systems. Submit a 3 page report single spaced that includes graphics. More detailed instructions in the online course content! you will choose two aquatic classification systems —that you want to explore— which will allow a comparison between them, and classify five aquatic features (i.e., wetlands, river, lake, estuary, etc.), which occur in an area you designate (e.g., ecoregion, state, county, etc.). It might be best to do this in an area with which you are familiar, or even better, one you can physically visit, so you can view and explore the wet places you are classifying. [unique_solution]The Reference Materials page of this lesson lists a number of readings that describe some common classification systems. Alternative classification systems are available for geographic regions outside the U.S. – Please contact instructor. The intent, then, is to use the NWI’s Wetland Mapper to zoom in on an area of your choosing, locate five aquatic features, and either record their designated type, or preferably, try to classify them yourself. If you use Cowardin et al. (1979), which is featured in the Wetland Mapper, then record the types for your five features, and then reclassify them using an alternative system (e.g, Brinson, Ramsar, etc.). If you live outside the U.S., or wish to classify systems elsewhere, then use Google Earth (or Google Maps, clicking on the “Earth” button in the lower left to reveal aerial imagery) to locate an area, zoom in to view and choose five aquatic features, and then classify them based on two of the systems mentioned. You can compare among more than two systems if you so choose. It is suggested that students from the U.S. choose to compare the Cowardin et al. (1979) system, which is widely used, and the system used for NWI mapping, with the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) system of either Brinson (1993, freshwater types only for the U.S.) or Brooks et al. (2011, fresh and marine types of the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.). Other systems recommended include Ramsar 2009 (suitable for worldwide use) or Warner and Rubec (1997) for Canada.