A fen is a type of peat -accumulating wetland fed by mineral-rich ground or surface water. [1][2] It is one of the main types of wetland along with marshes, swamps, and bogs. Bogs and fens, both peat-forming ecosystems, are also known as mires. [2] . The unique water chemistry of fens is a result of the ground or surface water input.

Fens are permanently saturated wetlands, receiving significant water and nutrients from a ground source of water. Ground water fed fens are widespread in the California mountains of the Sierra Nevada, coast range, and southern Cascades.

Feb 5, 2025 · As the title implies, wetlands are classified by their geomorphic setting, dominant water source (e.g. precipitation, groundwater or surface water) and hydrodynamics. The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) includes five major wetland types: riverine, slope depressional, flat …

Jun 24, 2023 · Both bogs and fens, like virtually all wetlands, serve the incredibly vital service of filtering water, soaking up excess nutrients and pollutants, and acting as a sort of sponge that protects surrounding environments (including our towns and cities) from flooding.

Jun 20, 2024 · A fen wetland is a type of peatland that relies on groundwater input and develops over thousands of years. Fens are characterized by a high water table and slow internal drainage, resulting in persistent anaerobic conditions.

Fens are permanently saturated wetlands, receiving significant water and nutrients from a ground source of water. Ground water fed fens are widespread in the California mountains of the Sierra Nevada, coast range, and southern Cascades.

May 22, 2017 · Essentially wet prairies, fens are unique wetlands on a slope, characterized by plant communities found in sun-drenched landscapes: A continuous flow of cool groundwater in and through fens makes them unique.

Fens contain a variety of vegetation, from rushes to sedge-dominated areas with some shrubs. The primary water source is groundwater, and minerals brought in through groundwater both make this an alkaline system and provide more nutrients than bogs receive.

May 15, 2018 · Fens are wetlands with moderate or low fertility and they are fed by surface runoff and groundwater. Fens are mostly found on gentle slopes. The principal feature of a fen is the high water table and the low or moderate rainfall. The flow of …

Rich fen and flush are peat forming wetlands that receive mineral nutrients from sources other than rainfall, usually groundwater or flowing surface waters that are at least mildly base-rich or calcareous, and are usually found over areas of limestone bedrock.