Vernal Pool Vernal Pool, Page 1 Michael A
Vernal Pool Vernal Pool, Page 1 Michael A. Kost Michael Overview: Vernal pools are small, isolated Introduction and Definitions: Temporary water wetlands that occur in forested settings throughout pools can occur throughout the world wherever the Michigan. Vernal pools experience cyclic periods ground or ice surface is concave and liquid water of water inundation and drying, typically filling gains temporarily exceed losses. The term “vernal with water in the spring or fall and drying during pool” has been widely applied to temporary pools the summer or in drought years. Substrates that normally reach maximum water levels in often consist of mineral soils underlain by an spring (Keeley and Zedler 1998, Colburn 2004). impermeable layer such as clay, and may be In northeastern North America, vernal pool and covered by a layer of interwoven fibrous roots similar interchangeable terms have focused even and dead leaves. Though relatively small, and more narrowly upon pools that are relatively small, sometimes overlooked, vernal pools provide critical are regularly but temporarily flooded, and are habitat for many plants and animals, including rare within wooded settings (Colburn 2004, Calhoun species and species with specialized adaptations for and deMaynadier 2008, Wisconsin DNR 2008, coping with temporary and variable hydroperiods. Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership 2009, Vermont Vernal pools are also referred to as vernal ponds, Fish & Wildlife Department 2004, Tesauro 2009, ephemeral ponds, ephemeral pools, temporary New York Natural Heritage Program 2009, pools, and seasonal wetlands. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 - Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1552 Vernal Pool, Page 2 Fisheries and Wildlife 2009, Maine Department of community types (see Kost et al.
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