Perspective
Filip Vasić
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Correspondence: filipvasic24@yahoo.com
Citation: Vasić F, 2026, What Do We Know About Kettle Holes? A Perspective on Research Progress and Knowledge Gaps, Environment & Science 1(2) 2–18, https://doi.org/10.66278/WGQW8638
Received: 10 September 2025; Revised: 23 March 2026; Accepted: 29 March 2026; Published: 9 May 2026
Abstract: Kettle holes are wetlands that mostly occur in various agricultural landscapes, while they might also be found in woody landscapes. Multiple terminologies have been applied for these wetlands, such as kettle holes, potholes or pot holes, Sölle or Toteislöcher, dead-ice depressions, and postglacial depressions. While being mostly small wetlands, their sizes differ, and based upon various international definitions, it varies between 0.01 and 15 ha. As these wetlands mostly appear in the agricultural landscape, a frequent interaction between kettle holes and farmers is common practice. These specific wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services, while on the other side some disservices may also arise. They are ecologically valuable as biodiversity hotspots but are highly sensitive to various disturbances. Although kettle holes serve as significant carbon sinks, they are still not recognized in current carbon markets. While they can be found in multiple countries/regions, they are mainly distributed in the USA, Canada, Germany, and Poland. Nevertheless, although some estimations of their numbers are present, there are still no precise evaluations of their numbers. Recent advances in remote sensing tools aided monitoring of kettle holes. However, complete mapping of these wetlands has not been performed so far. Other than remote monitoring, field observation is playing an important role in the assessment of these wetland ecosystems. Even though kettle holes have been recognized as important on a local and regional level, there is a lack of recognition on an international level (e.g., recognition of being a wetland of international importance—a Ramsar Site). Researchers from different backgrounds and perspectives, together with relevant society and stakeholders, should convene to address uncertainties and find sustainable solutions and practices for the conservation of these unique wetland ecosystems.
Keywords: pothole; dead-ice depression; wetland; pond; small water body; agricultural landscape; ecological significance; habitat and biodiversity; Ramsar Convention.