The Canadian Wetland Classification System

A classification system for Canadian wetlands based on the collective expertise and research of scientists across Canada. The system is provisional and subject to revision in future editions.

This book brings together, for the first time, information on various wetland classification systems and wetland inventories from around the world, outlining regional, national and local wetland classifications developed in Africa, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India, South America and the USA. Oriented towards the conservation and management of wetlands, these existing national and regional classification systems have been useful in providing an essential base for the development of an international system. The volume also reviews various attempts at drawing up an inventory of wetlands in different parts of the world, ranging from field and literature surveys to highly sophisticated efforts using aerial photography and satellite imaging. Audience: Workers in wetland ecology, especially those working on classification, inventory, conservation, or management of wetlands at the local, national, regional or international levels.

In discussion with Ramsar’s Max Finlayson and Nick Davidson, and several members of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Springer is proposing the development of a new Encyclopedia of Wetlands, a comprehensive resource aimed at supporting the trans- and multidisciplinary research and practice which is inherent to this field. Aware both that wetlands research is on the rise and that researchers and students are often working or learning across several disciplines, we are proposing a readily accessible online and print reference which will be the first port of call on key concepts in wetlands science and management. This easy-to-follow reference will allow multidisciplinary teams and transdisciplinary individuals to look up terms, access further details, read overviews on key issues and navigate to key articles selected by experts.

"Several wetland classification schemes have been devised to facilitate waterfowl management in North America. These schemes were developed primarily from vegetational, not hydrological, characteristics of wetlands and so do not consider annual changes in slough responses to climatic variability. Here we provide a hydrological scheme that proves to be consistent with Millar's (1976) ecological classification scheme"--Abstract.

Covers the influencing factors, distribution, evolution, classification, regionalization and methodologies for study of the wetlands of Canada. Specific chapters are devoted to the arctic, subarctic, boreal, prairies, eastern temperate, Atlantic and Pacific regions as well as the salt marshes of Canada.