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Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States

Marine System


Definition. The Marine System (Fig. 2) consists of the open ocean overlying the continental shelf and its associated high-energy coastline. Marine habitats are exposed to the waves and currents of the open ocean and the water regimes are determined primarily by the ebb and flow of oceanic tides. Salinities exceed 30 ‰, with little or no dilution except outside the mouths of estuaries. Shallow coastal indentations or bays without appreciable freshwater inflow, and coasts with exposed rocky islands that provide the mainland with little or no shelter from wind and waves, are also considered part of the Marine System because they generally support typical marine biota.

Limits. The Marine System extends from the outer edge of the continental shelf shoreward to one of three lines: (1) the landward limit of tidal inundation (extreme high water of spring tides), including the splash zone from breaking waves; (2) the seaward limit of wetland emergents, trees, or shrubs; or (3) the seaward limit of the Estuarine System, where this limit is determined by factors other than vegetation. Deepwater habitats lying beyond the seaward limit of the Marine System are outside the scope of this classification system.

Description. The distribution of plants and animals in the Marine System primarily reflects differences in four factors: (1) degree of exposure of the site to waves; (2) texture and physicochemical nature of the substrate; (3) amplitude of the tides; and (4) latitude, which governs water temperature, the intensity and duration of solar radiation, and the presence or absence of ice.

Subsystems.

Classes. Rock Bottom, Unconsolidated Bottom, Aquatic Bed, Reef, Rocky Shore, and Unconsolidated Shore.


GIF - Distinguishing Features of Various Habitats
Fig. 2. Distinguishing features and examples of habitats in the Marine System. EHWS = extreme high water of spring tides; ELWS = extreme low water of spring tides.

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