What type of soils are typically found in wetlands and are anaerobic?

The correct choice identifies hydric soils, which are specifically defined as saturated, flooded, or ponded for significant periods of time during the growing season, leading to anaerobic conditions. These soils are a crucial factor in the formation of wetlands, as they support the unique vegetation adapted to such environments. The presence of these soils is often used as an indicator of wetlands due to their water retention properties and the types of organisms they support.

They typically exhibit characteristics such as poor drainage and high organic matter, resulting from the accumulation of plant material in conditions where decomposition is slowed due to the lack of oxygen. Hydric soils often have distinct color patterns and textures that further differentiate them from other soil types.

Other terms in the choices refer to specific aspects of wetlands but do not accurately describe the soil type itself. While hydrophytic soils refer to soils that support water-loving plants, and marsh soils can denote soils found specifically in marsh environments, it is hydric soils that encompass the broader definition essential for wetland classification. Estuarine soils pertain to specific areas where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean and do not capture the unique anaerobic characteristics intrinsic to hydric soils.