seasonally flooded depression found on ancient soils with an impermeable layer such as a hardpan, claypan, or volcanic basalt. This impermeable layer allows the pool to retain water much longer than surrounding area. The ecosystem associated with vernal pools consists of specialized plants and animals.
a body of water that tends to dry up in the summer, doesn't have any fish, and supports certain species of wildlife that can't live or breed any place else
a contained basin depression lacking a permanent above ground outlet
a depression in the earth (i
a low spot that fills with rain and snowmelt in the spring, then dries up during the summer
an essential breeding site for certain amphibians which generally require isolated areas that are generally flooded for at least two continuous months in the spring and/or summer and are free from fish predators
a pond with many different species
a seasonal, fishless pool that is the preferred breeding habitat in Maine for wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) spotted and blue-spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum, A
a shallow depression in the ground that is inundated with water three to five months out of the year
a small, transient, biologically dynamic pond that appears in low-lying areas (especially in spring) and then typically dries up as the seasons of the year progress
a temporary wetland that is created when rainwater fills a depression in the ground
a unique, usually isolated ecosystem within a wetland that is, as posted earlier, a habitat for a variety of species, often endangered species such as salamanders and frogs
A depression in the earth lacking a permanent aboveground outlet which fills with water temporarily as a result of rain or snowmelt.
A seasonal wetland formed in depressions having a specific geology and hydrology, which directly influence the plants and animals found within.
an ephemeral body of water that fills in the spring, holds water for at least 10 days, and dries up by fall some or all years and that does not contain fish. Vernal pools are extremely important habitat for a variety of amphibians and reptiles.
depressions holding water for a temporary period in the spring and used by a variety of amphibians for egg laying.
Typically, very small ephemeral water bodies (no inlets and outlets), usually forming in shallow depressions, that exist in the spring and fall and are home to small insect, plant, and animal life. See Also: plant.
an area that is wet only part of the year, typically during the spring season. It is an important habitat for reproduction in many reptiles and amphibians.
Shallow, occasionally flooded wet meadow that is dry for most of the summer and fall.
A vernal pool is usually a shallow, natural depression in level ground, with no permanent above-ground outlet, that holds water seasonally. They could colloquially be referred to as temporary wetlands.