Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States

Table 2

Table 2. Salinity Modifiers used in this classification system.

Coastal Modifiers^a	Inland Modifiers^b	Salinity (parts per thousand)	Approximate specific conductance (µMhos at 25°C)
Hyperhaline	Hypersaline	>40	>60,000
Euhaline	Eusaline	30.0-40	45,000-60,000
Mixohaline (Brackish)	Mixosaline^c	0.5-30	800-45,000
Polyhaline	Polysaline	18.0-30	30,000-45,000
Mesohaline	Mesosaline	5.0-18	8,000-30,000
Oligohaline	Oligosaline	0.5-5	800-8,000
Fresh	Fresh	<0.5	<800
^aCoastal Modifiers are used in the Marine and Estuarine Systems. ^bInland Modifiers are used in the Riverine, Lacustrine, and Palustrine Systems. ^cThe term Brackish should not be used for inland wetlands or deepwater habitats.

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