Wetland System Definitions
As part of Queensland’s Wetland Mapping and Classification process, wetlands systems have been divided into different groups based on their general characteristics. There are both similarities and differences between the various types of wetlands systems, and these clear definitions will allow us to manage our wetlands more effectively.
Following are the various categories of wetland systems. For further information see the Wetland Mapping and Classification Mapping Methodology.
System Definitions
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Riverine wetlands describe all wetlands and deepwater habitats within a channel. The channels are naturally or artificially created, they periodically or continuously contain moving water, or form a connecting link between two bodies of standing water.
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Lacustrine wetlands are large, open, water-dominated systems (for example, lakes) larger than 8 hectares. This definition also applies to modified systems (for example, dams), which possess characteristics similar to lacustrine systems (for example, deep, standing or slow-moving waters). |
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Palustrine wetlands are primarily vegetated non-channel environments of less than 8 hectares. They include billabongs, swamps, bogs, springs, soaks etc, and have more than 30 percent emergent vegetation. |
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Marine wetlands include the area of ocean from the coastline or estuary, extending to the jurisdictional limits of Queensland waters (3 nautical mile limit). This definition differs from that in Ramsar, as it includes waters greater than 6 meters below the lowest astronomical tide. |
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Estuarine wetlands are those with oceanic water sometimes diluted with freshwater run-off from the land.
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Spring wetlands occur where groundwater flows out of the ground forming pools or streams. |
Last updated: 1 April 2008
