WETLANDS

2 Categories of Wetlands Coastal Wetlands occur near the ocean and are closely linked to estuaries Inland Wetlands occur everywhere from plains to mountain tops

Defined areas of habitat that have waterlogged soils and are at least periodically covered with water the plants that grow in the area are also distinctive

Why isn’t it always covered with water? Because the land does not always have standing water in all places low lying areas or basins gather rain and runoff ground water and the water table lie at the surface rivers sometimes overflow their banks tidal areas vary

Functions of Wetlands flood control- acts as shallow bowls which slow water velocity, collects and spreads water

silt traps - silt will settle out once it reaches slow flowing wetlands areas and then the plants will absorb or trap the silt Trapping silt in wetlands prevents it from entering the streams and causing habitat damage

Drinking water is affected by wetland health refill underground aquifers wetlands act as filters that cleans our water before it enters the aquifer

storm breakers - buffers winds and waves along coastlines; also stops lots of sediments from entering bays and lagoons Plants stabilize shorelines and protect inland areas

habitat - provides food, shelter, water, space for all types of wildlife stop over resting places for migratory wildlife habitat for many endangered species

absorbs pollutants - wetland plants can absorb and store pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides.. Natural filters

nurseries - perfect place to raise young as the vegetation provides shelter from predators and lots of food for quick growth prime breeding habitat for shrimp, crabs, waterfowl

Regulates climate - wetland plants and animals are part of the global water and nitrogen cycles. Wetland plants store carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere--reducing gases which contribute to global warming

Fire control - wetter areas tend to burn less since wetlands often follow corridors along streams and lakes, they make natural fire breaks

Reasons for Wetland Destruction People often viewed wetlands as places to drain and develop --as a nonuseful piece of land that could be made useful

agriculture perfect soil for water loving crops low-cost irrigation

It is a natural source of water for grazing animals Streams could be channeled for irrigation and flood control

Commercial and industrial uses

Mining - removing the vegetation removes the ability of the land to absorb pollutants wetlands would prevent mine waste from damaging streams

recreational

housing development - everyone wants a place to live, so houses could be built and…you have to get to work, shopping...

Introduction of non-native species displace native plants and grow uncontrollably by natural means Brazilian Pepper destroys habitat for wading birds Purple Loosestrife quickly crowds out native species and replaces food plants and needed habitat

Types of Wetlands salt marshes (pocosins and others) often have tidal influences but the salinity is lower than in coastal marshes

mangrove swamps

freshwater marshes

Wetlands do not always look like what most people think of as wetlands--the difference is in the soil and plants Vernal Ponds are dry most of the year, yet they are critical to amphibians for breeding habitat

fen is a type of freshwater marsh, with peat moss dominating has more oxygen and less acidity than the bogs so it will support more life found in northern regions where its cooler

bogs and muskegs are found in colder regions dominated by sphagnum moss lower oxygen very acidic

Everglades -often called the river of grass are found in Florida

ANY QUESTIONS?