Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R144AY050RI
Subaqueous Haline Flats
Accessed: 04/26/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Ecological site concept
The Massapog series consists of very deep, subaqueous soils permanently submerged beneath 10 through 150 cm of tidal estuarine water on flood tidal delta flats, washover fan flats in coastal lagoons and bays. Slope ranges from 0 through 2 percent. Representative soils are Massapog, Nagunt, and Rhodesfolly 0-1 meter depth.
Massapog soils are formed in sandy marine and estuarine sediments transported by flood tidal currents. Nagunt soils are formed in sandy marine deposits as a result of washover events, eolian deposition, and tidal flooding. Buried surface horizons and stratification are often identified. The Rhodesfolly soils are formed in sandy marine deposits.
The site is used for recreation and support benthic aquatic habitat. Fishing is commonplace and the species found in the area are smelt, small cod, flounder, scup, menhaden, and white perch. Shellfish farming and recreational harvesting are common. Some areas are vegetated with native algae and eelgrass (Zostera marina). Vegetative cover ranges from 0 to 35 percent.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Zostera marina |
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