| Property | Seeps | Vernal pools |
| Location | Seeps often are located along stream margins; seeps also occur on slopes | Vernal pools do not occur on slopes |
| Presence of inlet and/or outlet | Distinct stream drainage is visible as an inlet or outlet | Pool with no permanently flowing outlet |
| Nature of the wetland border or edge | Many seeps have a fairly diffuse border | Typically have a more distinct border |
| Vegetation type | Contain occasional trees; may have dense herbaceous vegetation that is composed of species characteristic of this community type | Contain occasional trees; generally lack herbaceous vegetation |
| Association with assemblage of amphibians and invertebrates | Absent | Present |