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Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States

Table 2


Table 2. Salinity Modifiers used in this classification system.
Coastal Modifiersa
Inland Modifiersb
Salinity (parts per thousand)
Approximate specific conductance (µMhos at 25°C)
Hyperhaline
Hypersaline
>40
>60,000
Euhaline
Eusaline
30.0-40
45,000-60,000
Mixohaline (Brackish)
Mixosalinec
0.5-30
800-45,000
Polyhaline
Polysaline
18.0-30
30,000-45,000
Mesohaline
Mesosaline
5.0-18
8,000-30,000
Oligohaline
Oligosaline
0.5-5
800-8,000
Fresh
Fresh
<0.5
<800
aCoastal Modifiers are used in the Marine and Estuarine Systems.
bInland Modifiers are used in the Riverine, Lacustrine, and Palustrine Systems.
cThe term Brackish should not be used for inland wetlands or deepwater habitats.


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