Which of the following is a characteristic of a brief seasonal water table (SWT)?

The characteristic of a brief seasonal water table (SWT) that stands out is dissimilar color patterns in soil. This result occurs due to the fluctuating water levels within the soil over time. When the water table rises, it saturates the soil, leading to anaerobic conditions that can alter the oxidation state of the iron, causing changes in the soil color related to different levels of saturation. As the water table recedes, the soil dries out, restoring its original color. This cyclical pattern results in a distinct layering effect and color variance in the soil profile, which helps in identifying the presence of a seasonal water table.

In contrast, low nutrient availability is often more associated with highly leached or poorly draining soils rather than specifically with a seasonal water table. Frequent flooding would suggest a more permanent or consistently high water table, rather than a brief seasonal one. Lastly, a stable biotic community is typically characteristic of more consistent environmental conditions rather than the fluctuating conditions associated with a brief seasonal water table.