Microtopography/Depressions

Question 1

Historically, flooding in the LMAV resulted in ________ and ________.

Those are examples of ________.

Answer 1

Historically, flooding in the LMAV resulted in shallow ridge/swale topography and isolated depressionial areas.

This is often referred to as microtopography.

Question 2

Microtopography is important because it can provide ________ for ________ and ________.

Answer 2

Microtopography is important because it can provide valuable habitat for amphibians and feeding waterbirds.

Question 3

When creating microtopography, the goal is to create as much ________ in ________, _________, and ________ as possible.

Answer 3

When creating microtopography, the goal is to create as much variation in depth, duration, and timing of flooding as possible.

Question 4

When creating microtopography, the goal is to create as much variation in depth, duration, and timing of flooding as possible.

List 4 ways to accomplish this goal.

Answer 4

When creating microtopography, the goal is to create as much variation in depth, duration, and timing of flooding as possible.

This can be accomplished by digging isolated depressions, digging depressions within other wetland types, creative borrowing when constructing dikes, and by diking small, suitable areas.

Question 5

What are “fishless ponds”?

Answer 5

Depressional wetlands found at high enough elevations to escape seasonal flooding are often called fishless ponds.

Question 6

Why are fishless ponds a valuable resource for amphibians?

Answer 6

These areas are valuable for amphibians since no fish or bullfrog tadpoles are present to feed on eggs or young.

Question 7

Water budgets for the Mississippi Delta have shown ________ depressions will maintain some water ________ out of ________ years.

Answer 7

Water budgets for the Mississippi Delta have shown 3’ depressions will maintain some water 9 out of 10 years.