Wetlands: Nature’s natural filter You will understand the importance and value of wetlands for environmental ecosystems

Intro to Wetlands Recall: What provides the main water source to most River systems? Recall: What provides the main water source to most River systems? What is Run-Off? What is Run-Off? Water that is not absorbed by the land; water runs across land picking up sediment and pollutants before it enters the river Water that is not absorbed by the land; water runs across land picking up sediment and pollutants before it enters the river How does Nature clean this “dirty water”? How does Nature clean this “dirty water”? Wetlands are a valuable source in cleaning the water before it re-enters the ocean or enters a River System Wetlands are a valuable source in cleaning the water before it re-enters the ocean or enters a River System

Wetlands: 3 Main Types defined by Plant vegetation Swamp- wetland primarily composed of trees Swamp- wetland primarily composed of trees Marsh- wetland composed primarily of grasses Marsh- wetland composed primarily of grasses Bog- found in extreme Northern areas (near Artic) primary vegetation moss Bog- found in extreme Northern areas (near Artic) primary vegetation moss Wetland is an area of land that is either seasonally or permanently covered by a thin layer of water Wetland is an area of land that is either seasonally or permanently covered by a thin layer of water

Understanding How Wetlands form: Normal Non Wetland diagram Unsaturated Zone Saturation Zone Aquitard (igneous rock) (Aquifers)

3 Forms of Groundwater “returning” to surface Geysers/Hot Springs- magma “bubble” underground heats water and forces water to surface Artesian Well- Large block of hard igneous rock deflects water to surface Wetland- Water table takes up all available space in top layers of soil/rock creating wetland

A Wetland Diagram: What Zone is Missing? Wetland Transition zone Normal Saturation Zone

Wetland Formation- All wetlands form when the unsaturated zone disappears or becomes a saturation zone at the land’s surface level All wetlands form when the unsaturated zone disappears or becomes a saturation zone at the land’s surface level Wetlands will never “dry up” as long as Water table remains at its normal level; therefore humans are main reason for their disappearance Wetlands will never “dry up” as long as Water table remains at its normal level; therefore humans are main reason for their disappearance

How Wetlands help “Clean” the water Nitrates in water are transformed to harmless nitrogen gas : Bacteria in the water transform the nitrates to harmless nitrogen gas (N 2 ) which goes back into the air. This process is called denitrification. Nitrates in water are transformed to harmless nitrogen gas : Bacteria in the water transform the nitrates to harmless nitrogen gas (N 2 ) which goes back into the air. This process is called denitrification. Nutrients are taken up by wetland plants in the water Through growing plants remove excess chemicals. Nutrients are taken up by wetland plants in the water Through growing plants remove excess chemicals. Wetlands act as filters Phosphorous, heavy metals and certain toxic compounds get trapped in the sediments of the wetlands. Wetlands act as filters Phosphorous, heavy metals and certain toxic compounds get trapped in the sediments of the wetlands. Peat forming During the formation of peat coal, nitrogen and heavy metals are incorporated into the peat. Peat forming During the formation of peat coal, nitrogen and heavy metals are incorporated into the peat.

Why do humans remove Wetlands Desire for land; for city growth or agriculture needs; drained soil very fertile for long periods of time. Desire for land; for city growth or agriculture needs; drained soil very fertile for long periods of time. “Unpleasantness” : Odor and look of wetland very unappealing to most; Filtration effects of wetlands give off bad odors as nutrients and wastes are broken down “Unpleasantness” : Odor and look of wetland very unappealing to most; Filtration effects of wetlands give off bad odors as nutrients and wastes are broken down Health; disease carrying insects find homes here Health; disease carrying insects find homes here

What happens with removal of Wetlands? River and Ocean water quality drastically goes down; more pollutants enter free water (rivers and oceans) River and Ocean water quality drastically goes down; more pollutants enter free water (rivers and oceans) Animals become endangered; birds, fish and mammals all find wetlands a rich source of food and great protection for their young Animals become endangered; birds, fish and mammals all find wetlands a rich source of food and great protection for their young Storms and flood damage increases dramatically; No natural barrier to trap flooding water or reduce storm surge impact. Storms and flood damage increases dramatically; No natural barrier to trap flooding water or reduce storm surge impact.

Actual Images: Remote Sensing of Wetland Impact

NC Hurricane Flood Impact Before Floyd After Floyd