Wetland-like features in “0-order” positions above first-order streams are small and often undetected by traditional wetland mapping. As such, these types of wetland features hidden under the canopy have been called ‘cryptic wetlands’. In high-relief landscapes such as the Appalachian Mountains, cryptic wetlands may be associated with seeps, topographic benches or depressions (e.g., the ‘saddle’ between two peaks), or drip lines of overhanging cliffs, and are typically much smaller than 0.5 ha. Due to their small size and typical location beneath forest canopy, these ‘0-order’ systems are seldom detected or mapped under typical NWI protocols. They are also largely unstudied. Yet, they could serve as a water source for a significant portion of stream heads in the upper montane landscape.
Further, although they might not exhibit all traits associated with jurisdictional wetlands, 0-order systems may be important contributors to hydrologic function of headwater streams including controls on duration of flow and composition of chemistry. They may contribute substantially to the functions of headwater stream complexes in ways that differ from upland forested slopes, but their potential response to future climate change is unknown. This pilot project will characterize known sites in several locations distributed across Pennsylvania, specifically addressing this issue in locations within the PSU University Forest and the CZO.
