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Geology Of Iowa Fens, C. A. Thompson, E. A. Bettis Iii, R. G. Baker
Geology Of Iowa Fens, C. A. Thompson, E. A. Bettis Iii, R. G. Baker
Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS
Fens are peatlands which are dependent on groundwater discharge to provide nutrient enrichment. Fens are found in a variety of landscape positions and in most Iowa landform regions. This paper presents a classification system for Iowa fens based on landscape position, stratigraphy, and hydrologic factors. Iowa fens can be separated into six categories: 1) fens along valley wall slopes; the groundwater source for these fens is sand and gravel buried between glacial tills (inter-till); 2) fens in hummocky topography on the northwestern margin of the Des Moines Lobe landform region; the water source is sand and gravel buried within glacial …
Floristic Composition And Conservation Status Of Fens In Iowa, John A. Pearson, Mark J. Leoschke
Floristic Composition And Conservation Status Of Fens In Iowa, John A. Pearson, Mark J. Leoschke
Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS
Over 200 extant fens of varying condition were documented during an extensive inventory conducted in Iowa between 1986 and 1991. Approximately half of the extant fens support endangered, threatened, special concern, or other rare plant species. Approximately 25 fens are outstanding conservation prospects with intact vegetation, high species richness, and rare species. Nearly 40% of all potential fen sites have been destroyed by cultivation or damage; another 30% remain unknown due to lack of a field visit, but most appear on aerial photographs to be very small, disturbed fragments. In addition to their traditionally recognized range in northwest Iowa, fens …