ABSTRACT
Arid wet soils and wetlands are commonly found at groundwater discharge sites such as flood plain edges, pluvial lake playas, prairie playas, artesian spring areas, and areas associated with irrigation practices. Some of these landforms, such as flood plains, only experience a seasonal high water table for a month or less during an average year. Other areas, such as playas, may see a return interval for wet soils only a few times per decade. Many of the wet soils in dry climates have formed under high evapotranspiration rates. When coupled with low effective precipitation and poor drainage, this environment leads to concentrated salt accumulations. Therefore, the hydrogeomorphology, geological sources of the water and sediment, and evapo-concentration of salts are important factors to consider when working with wet soils of arid climates.
