What is a seepage?

[Otterwoman]

I'm reading the Petranka book (and learning loads). Can someone tell me exactly what is a "seepage"?
I did a google search and didn't come up with anything edifying. Also if someone could link to a picture that would be very helpful.
Are they wet all year long or seasonally? thanks.

 

[Ralf]

You might want to try a Google search using the operator "define:". Open Google, type "define: seepage" and have a look at the results.

 

[Jake]

Could you quote the sentence the word was used in?

 

[John]

Far as I know, a "seepage" is a small natural body of water formed from water that has leeched through rock or soil. Sometimes you'll see them up against the outside of a cave wall or a cliff.

 

[nate]

A seepage is basically where groundwater is trickling/seeping out from the ground. Usually, a seepage is on the side of a hill, cliff, etc. and often in association with a spring or creekbed. The seepage itself is usually not big enough to ever be considered a small spring or creek, but has enough water flowing to be continually dripping or wet. In the southern USA, you'll often hear a seepage referred to as a "steephead".

They can be permanent or seasonal.

 

[Otterwoman]

Thanks, Nate, that makes the most sense. It was in a lot of sentences, Jake, about where salamanders live and breed. I was confused if it was just a spring, or maybe seasonal, or if maybe it's like a swamp? I guess they can be big or small? Well, it's somewhat clearer now.

 

[Mark]

Here's an example in a wooded valley. Water trickles out of the bank to form a small, shallow pool. You can't see them in the photo but there's plenty of salamandra larvae in there.

 

[Otterwoman]

Thanks for the picture! That's very illuminating and helpful. I can relate to that easier, and in fact, have seen places like that in my wanderings...next time I'll be looking closer!

 

[John]

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