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TRANSECT A
The mat penetration wells of Transect A were deployed along an eastward course between Na Pohaku o Hauwahine and the middle great pond of Kawai Nui Marsh (see MAP). This part of the marsh is thought to be near the boundary between what has previously been described as an upper wet meadowland and the "floating mat" dominated marsh. Most of this area is characterized by para grass (Brachiaria mutica), with some small areas of cattails (Typha latifolia), a circular patch of papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), and, between the papyrus and the margin of the pond, an area of mixed wetland plants with lots of arrowhead plant (Sagittaria latifolia). Individual descriptions of each of the well locations on Transect A with graphical presentations of data, are presented as follows:
Well A1 ("ponds 2")
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TRANSECT B
The mat penetration wells of Transect B were deployed along a more or less north by northeast course between Na Pohaku o Hauwahine and the man-made "channel" in the middle of Kawai Nui Marsh (see MAP). This area extends out to the edge of the sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), first crossing what was known to be a pond 20-25 years ago and is now "thin" vegetation mat dominated my cattail. Plant assemblages along this transect include the area of cattails, extensive areas of bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp.), and smaller areas monotypically covered by neke fern (Cyclosorus interruptus). These plant assemblages are interspersed with areas of mixed cattail and para grass. Invasive trees, such as fiddlewood (Citharexylum caudatum), octopus tree (Schefflera actinophylla), and Moluccan albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria), are sparsely scattered over this part of the marsh. In our hypothesis, Transect B crosses a part of Kawai Nui Marsh characterized by a floating vegetation mat. We anticipate that data from each well on this transect will describe a mat physically buoyed up by the organic peat in which the vegetation is rooted and below which will be found water or a water-sediment mixture that is mostly water. The space below the mat may be separated into two or more layers: a water layer over a denser sediment suspension layer or layers. The relative thickness of the layers may vary seasonally and/or in response to inputs of rainfall and run-off. The aquatic environment will be anoxic and reducing below the mat, supporting only microbial life. This description comprises our "Standard Floating Mat Model." Individual descriptions of each of the well locations on Transect B with graphical presentations of data obtained, are presented at the following links:
Well B1 ("ponds")
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