objects provides an Indication of the minimum inundation 

 level. When sediments are primarily organic (e.g. fine 

 organic material, algae), the detritus may become 

 encrusted on or slightly above the soil surface after 

 dewatering occurs (Figure 10) . 



(6) Drainage patterns within wetlands. This indicator, which 

 occurs primarily in wetlands adjacent to streams, consists 

 of surface evidence of drainage flow into or through an 

 area (Figure 11). In some wetlands, this evidence may 

 exist as a drainage pattern eroded into the soil, vegeta- 

 tive matter (debris) piled against thick vegetation or 

 woody stems oriented perpendicular to the direction of 

 water flow, or the absence of leaf litter (Figure 8). 

 Scouring is often evident around roots of persistent vege- 

 tation. Debris may be deposited in or along the drainage 

 pattern (Figure 12). CAUTION: Drainage patterns also 

 occur in upland areas after periods of considerable pre- 

 cipitation; therefore, topographic position must also be 

 considered when cq)plying this indicator. 



41 



