Know Your Wetland Classes, Part 5: Shallow Open Water

Did you know that there are 5 classes of wetland in Canada? Learn to recognize them and get acquainted with the wetlands near you. You can learn about all 5 classes of wetland in greater detail by reading the Canadian Wetland Classification System. This post is Part 5 of a 5 Part series entitled Know Your Wetland Classes.

The theme this week is shallow open water. You can find Part 1 of the series (Fens) here, Part 2 (Bogs) here, Part 3 (Swamps) here and Part 4 (Marshes) here.

Shallow Open Water is a wetland class usually found between lakes and marshes. They are small bodies of standing or gently flowing water usually less than 2 meters deep. Ponds, potholes, oxbows and channels are all different types of shallow open water bodies.  Aquatic macrophytes such as water lilies are often found floating on the surface.  

Shallow open water in Deer Lake, part of the Upper Humber
River Management Unit. 

Shallow open waters can be formed in multiple ways. Irrigation ponds and reservoirs are-man made while others can be a result of beaver damming. However, they are most commonly formed through glacial action. Unlike lakes, these bodies of water have a uniform temperature throughout due to their shallow depth.

Amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, mammals, and fish can all be found in shallow open waters. They also make excellent breeding grounds for insects such as mosquitos and black flies. In Newfoundland and Labrador, they are a preferred habitat for moose and beavers. Additionally, ponds and prairie potholes provide excellent habitat for diving ducks, such as the lesser scaup, canvasback, ring-necked duck, along with other species of birds.