Coastal and subcoastal non-floodplain wet heath swamp

Coastal and subcoastal non-floodplain wet heath swamp – Hydrology

• Wet
• Dry

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• Hydrology
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Non-floodplain wetlands can be flushed with rain, run-off from the local watershed and from groundwater discharge, or a combination of these sources.

If groundwater table levels and substrate permeability permit, this can lead to more constant systems. This wetland habitat type can play a role in groundwater recharge/discharge.

An important point to note is that groundwater flow tends to be clear (not turbid), compared to surface water flow.

Water Outputs

Evaporation, transpiration and groundwater recharge can lead these systems to dry out, sometimes completely. Water may also flow out to the ocean via distributary channels, depending on topography.

Non-floodplain heath swamps typically occur where there is enough rainfall, local watershed run-off, overbank flow and/or groundwater discharge to maintain a seasonally high water table.

Water tables in heath swamps, therefore, dry out seasonally, creating hydrological conditions that are favourable for the growth of heath vegetation. Areas that have a more permanent water table tend to have more grass, herb and sedge growth.

Last updated: 22 March 2013