Stratigraphy and Hydrology of the Jackson‐Frazier Wetland, Oregon

Abstract

The relationship between wetland soils and hydrology can be better understood by linking soil geomorphological features to the measurement of groundwater depths in the soil. Soil stratigraphic analysis and long‐term measurements of soil water levels in piezometers were used at the Jackson‐Frazier wetland in western Oregon to investigate the interaction between local geomorphological history and the hydrology of the wetland. Morphological descriptions confirm the presence of a recent smectitic alluvial deposit (80–180 cm) overlying Malpass clay (≈35 cm thick), which overlies Irish Bend Silt. X‐ray diffraction and isotope analysis support the conclusion of the presence of the Holocene alluvium and Irish Bend Silt, but are inconclusive regarding the Malpass clay. Piezometer data from 1992 to 1996 show that the smectitic alluvium controls saturation and drying of the wetland surface, and that a separate water table is present below the Malpass clay in the Irish Bend silt. The recent alluvium and Malpass clay act as an aquitard that restricts the vertical infiltration of surface water and helps restrict the groundwater table in the Irish Bend silt deposit. These stratigraphic relationships and associated hydrologic responses provide a means to identify wetlands and predict hydrologic conditions on similar wetland landscapes.

Hydrology of soils and deep regolith: a nexus between soil geography, ecosystems and land management

“…(1) A shift from qualitative to more quantitative, field-scale monitoring and assessment of soil hydrologic parameters and hydromorphic features (e.g., saturation, soil redoximorphic phenomena) and dynamics (e.g., timing, duration and direction) (Clausnitzer et al, 2003;D'Amore et al, 2000;Jenkinson et al, 2002;Karathanasis et al, 2003;Rabenhorst et al, 1998;Thompson and Bell, 1998).…”

“…These properties or attributes commonly occur within soils and may vary between soil horizons: Soil texture-the particle size, composition and textural changes with depth (e.g., sandy vs. clayey soil) associated with pedogenic development such as argillic horizons can enhance, diminish or deflect internal water flow (e.g., D'Amore et al, 2000;Jenkinson et al, 2002;Shaw et al, 2001;Wilson et al, 1990). Clay mineralogy-the amount and types (e.g., kaolinite vs. smectite) of clay directly affect water flow via porosity and soil structure, as well as influencing the significance of seasonal changes in soil physical properties (e.g., shrink/swell cycles associated with wetting and drying).…”

Fragipan influence on hydropedological properties of benchmark soilscapes in West Virginia

“…The seasonal high saturation during the biologically active season, is at or near the same depth of redoximorphic features throughout the duration of this study. The results of this analysis confirm that the soil morphology may be used to determine the depth to the seasonal high water table (Morgan and Stolt, 2006;Boersma et al, 1972;Simonson and Boersma, 1972;Vepraskas et al, 1974;Veneman et al, 1976;Richardson et al, 1992;Thompson et al, 1998;Szogi and Hudnall, 1998;D'Amore et al, 2000).…”

“…Morgan and Stolt (2006) linked redoximorphic features to seasonal high water tables and further make the case that soil morphology be used when making land-use decisions. Others have contributed to the body of knowledge that establishes a positive correlation between the presence of water and redoximorphic features described as evidence of pedological development (Boersma et al, 1972;Simonson and Boersma, 1972;Vepraskas et al, 1974;Veneman et al, 1976;Richardson et al, 1992;Thompson et al, 1998;Szogi and Hudnall, 1998;D'Amore et al, 2000; and references therein).…”

Case Study of a Restored Wetland Best Management Practice

“…Bacteria must be in contact with the N pollutants to biotransform them (D'Amore et al 2000;Werner and Kadlec 2000). Since most bacteria are sessile, attached to vegetation and litter, unrestrained advective flows are essential to transport N pollutants to them (Jordan et al 2003).…”