Wetland

Wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of functions, including water purification, water storage, processing of carbon and other nutrients, stabilization of shorelines, and support of plants and animals. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life.

Characteristics

Wetlands occur naturally on every continent. The main wetland types include swamps, marshes, bogs and fens; and sub-types include mangrove, carr, pocosin, and varzea. They can be part of the lentic (still water) or the lotic (flowing water) system.

Functions

Wetlands perform a variety of functions that are beneficial to humans and the environment. These include water purification, flood control, carbon sink, wildlife habitat, and are sources of biodiversity.

Threats and preservation

Wetlands are threatened by a variety of factors, including pollution, climate change, and human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and peat extraction. Efforts to preserve wetlands include the creation of protected areas, restoration projects, and the implementation of policies and legislation.

See also

• Swamp
• Marsh
• Bog
• Fen
• Mangrove
• Carr
• Pocosin
• Varzea

References

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