River Swamps
River swamps have a shorter hydroperiod than stillwater swamps and a perceptible flow rate for at least a part of each year.
These wetlands constitute about one-third of Florida's swampland and are found primarily in north Florida. Reduced topography and abrupt changes in soil type in Florida river swamps may "blur" individual vegetation zones. This ecological diversity likely makes river swamps the most diverse of Florida swamps.
River swamps may occupy the floodplains of:
- Whitewater (alluvial) rivers
These carry clays and suspended organic matter in their waters. - Blackwater rivers
These carry dissolved organic matter. - Spring runs
These are fed from the aquifer.
- Return to Bottomland Forest Ecosystems