This type is similar to Dry Salt Flats (11710) in that it occurs on the flat-floored bottoms of interior desert basins, except that they remain moist throughout the year. On aerial photographs, Dry Salt Flats tend to appear whiter or lighter toned than Mud Flats because of the high concentrations of salts at the surface as water has been evaporated in the salt flats compared to the wetter, and therefore darker, albedo of Mud Flats.
DISTRIBUTION:
Primarily occurs in the desert regions of California, but occurs in some cismontane areas as well. This type was only mapped in the Modoc Plateau region for Gap Analysis.
Source: California Gap Analysis Project