Wetland Definitions:Creation,Evolution and Application

In this paper,we review the creation,evolution and application of wetland definitions.Varying wetlands are found from the tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica in the planet.Wetlands have many distinguishing features,the most notable of which are water presence,unique soil conditions,and biota that are adapted to or tolerant of saturated soils.Many wetland definitions have been developed by scientists,U.S.federal agencies,and the Ramsar Convention for both scientific and regulatory purposes.Wetlands are not easily defined but a well-conceived,science-based definition of wetlands is important for scientists and resource managers to understand the nature of wetlands and/or to use and protect wetlands.A scientific definition is the basis for wetland classification.Developing an effective wetland classification system requires a well-conceived,science-based definition and clearly explicit guidance on the appropriate use of various wetland indicators to verify the presence of wetlands on the ground.Based on a well-accepted wetland definition,both wetland classification and inventory further provide needed information and a working frame for wise use and management of wetlands.

THEORY AND METHOD FOR WETLAND BOUNDARY DELINEATION

Based on the analysis of the subjectivity of wetland boundary criteria and their causes at present, this paper suggested that, under the condition that the mechanism of wetland formation process has not been understood, "black box" method of System Theory can be used to delineate wetland boundaries scientifically. After analyzing the difference of system construction among aquatic habitats, wetlands and uplands, the lower limit of rooted plants was chosen as the lower boundary criterion of wetlands. Because soil diagnostic horizon is the result of the long-term interaction among all environments, and it is less responsive than vegetation to short-term change, soil diagnostic horizon was chosen as the indicator to delineate wetland upper boundary, which lies at the thinning-out point of soil diagnostic horizon. Case study indicated that it was feasible using the lower limit of rooted plants and the thinning-out point of soil diagnostic horizon as criteria to delineate the lower and upper boundaries of wetland. In the study area, the thinning-out line of albic horizon was coincident with the 55.74m contour line, the maximum horizon error was less than 1m, and the maximum vertical error less than 0.04m. The problem on wetland definition always arises on the boundaries. Having delineated wetland boundaries, wetlands can be defined as follows: wetlands are the transitional zones between uplands and deepwater habitats, they are a kind of azonal complex that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water, with the lower boundary lying at the lower limit of rooted plants, and the upper boundary at the thinning-out line of upland soil diagnostic horizon.