Cypress dome

A cypress dome is a type of freshwater forested wetland, or a swamp, found in the southeastern part of the United States.

They are distinguished from southern coastal plain cypress domes by the presence of tropical understory species.

[4][2][1] The water levels of dome swamps are naturally fluctuating and dependent on seasonal rainfall.

Adult cypress trees are tolerant to extended periods of inundation, however their seeds cannot germinate under water and may not survive.

[9] Catastrophic wildfires can alter the ground surface and transform a dome swamp into other types of wetlands, such as a wet prairie or shrub bog.

Anthropogenic alterations have negative impacts including hydrological modifications, logging, increased nutrients, pollution from agricultural runoff, and invasion of exotic species.

[4] Conversion of surrounding lands to urban development, pastures, and agriculture can impede natural fires and changes the hydrology.

[10] This can increase aquatic plants, decrease oxygen in the water, and cause declines in native populations.

Dome swamps treated with sewage may have higher water levels and litter production.