Norris Geyser Basin Information
| Wetland Category: |
|
Flats & Beaches |
| NWI Classification: |
|
PEM1Ba |
| Latitude: |
44.727795 |
|
Longitude: |
-110.705334 |
Image Data |
| Date: |
|
09/06/2009 |
| Direction: |
West |
| State: |
Wyoming |
| Country: |
USA |
| Location: |
Yellowston National Park |
| Author(s): |
Larry Handley |
| Affiliation: |
USGS/NWRC |
|
| 
09/06/2009 | | |
|
|
Description:
Palustrine wetland of persistent emergent herbaceous vegetation. Ground is saturated with some areas of permanent to semi-permanent standing water. Water is acidic with high mineral content.
|
Conditions: Continuous geyser activity within the Norris Basin. Seeps and streams constantly change over time.
|
| Dominant Plants: |
|
Scientific Name: |
| Geysers panicgrass |
|
Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Goudl & C.A. Clarke var. thermale (Bo.) Freckmann |
| Sedge |
|
Carex spp. |
| Cosmopolitan bulrush |
|
Schoenoplectus maritimus (L.) Lye |
|
|
Disturbances: Steam and high acidic and mineralized water influence the type and distribution of vegetation. Saturated soil stresses and kills trees and shrubs. Hardier grasses and sedges colonize areas of slightly higher elevation flats. |
|
Comments: Since geyser activity is constant, flooding or exposure from local rainfall and snow melt does not constitute the primary extent of water in the wetlands. |
