Lacustrine fringe wetlands are adjacent to lakes where the water elevation of the
lake maintains the water table in the wetland. In some cases, these wetlands consist
of a floating mat attached to land. Additional sources of water are precipitation and
groundwater discharge, the latter dominating where lacustrine fringe wetlands intergrade
with uplands or slope wetlands. Surface water flow is bidirectional, usually controlled
by water-level fluctuations resulting from wind or seiche. Lacustrine wetlands lose water
by flow returning to the lake after flooding and by evapotranspiration. Organic matter
may accumulate in areas sufficiently protected from shoreline wave erosion. Unimpounded
marshes bordering the Great Lakes are an example of lacustrine fringe wetlands.
Lacustrine fringe wetlands are adjacent to lakes where the water elevation of the
lake maintains the water table in the wetland. In some cases, these wetlands consist
of a floating mat attached to land. Additional sources of water are precipitation and
groundwater discharge, the latter dominating where lacustrine fringe wetlands intergrade
with uplands or slope wetlands. Surface water flow is bidirectional, usually controlled
by water-level fluctuations resulting from wind or seiche. Lacustrine wetlands lose water
by flow returning to the lake after flooding and by evapotranspiration. Organic matter
may accumulate in areas sufficiently protected from shoreline wave erosion. Unimpounded
marshes bordering the Great Lakes are an example of lacustrine fringe wetlands.