Groundwater wetlands are primarily characterized by which condition?

Groundwater wetlands are primarily characterized by high water tables. These wetlands are defined by the presence of saturated soil conditions, which are due to a water table that is close to or at the surface for a significant part of the year. This saturation supports the unique ecosystem of wetland vegetation, which is adapted to thrive in such conditions.

In these environments, the high water table is essential for maintaining the wetland's hydrology and ecology. It supports various flora and fauna that rely on saturated soils and influences the chemical processes that occur within the wetland. This distinguishes groundwater wetlands from other types, such as floodplain wetlands, which rely more on surface water flooding.