Freshwater Ecosystems Wetlands and Rivers

Freshwater Wetlands

Benefits of Wetlands Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support a great deal of biodiversity. They can slow and hold influxes of water, helping to prevent flooding. Water that passes through wetlands tends to come out cleaner, with less sediment and pollution. 3

Freshwater Inland Wetlands Volo Bog Illinois, United States Located away from coastal areas, inland wetlands are non-permanent bodies of fresh water. Bogs are wetlands characterized by plants that produce an acidic secretion, slowing down the action of decomposers. Volo Bog Illinois, United States 5

Marshes: contain non-woody plants Benthic zone is nutrient rich Types of marshes: Brackish marsh: slightly salty water Salt marsh: salty water

Swamps: Poorly drained land Contains shrubs, trees Amphibians, reptiles like alligators Example: Florida Everglades

Functions Wetlands Purify wastewater Prevent flooding Buffers against erosion Spawning ground for fish and shellfish Habitat for many animals Recreational areas

Rivers Origin: melting snow in the mountains Cold, full of oxygen Changes characteristics as it flows Picks up runoff Can become warm Danger: pollution caused by people dumping waste into rivers

Rivers Headwaters = cold and full of oxygen Flows downward = warmer, wider, slower, more vegetation and less oxygen. Pollution is killing river organisms and dams change the river ecosystem.