Water table is at or near land surface Saturated seasonally or permanently Swamps Marshes Bogs
Water is received through runoff and rain Periods of flood and drought support wildlife Water is collected in soil and ponds Plants grow and create oxygen Water seeps into the ground and collects Water evaporates and becomes clouds Water is returned for a new cycle
Catch and hold flood water Recharge ground water Filter excess sediment and organic matter Remove excess minerals and toxins Erosion buffer for ocean Nursery for 2/3 of food fish and shellfish Nursery for birds
A continuous global process Controls the earth’s climate Protects against Green House Effect Returns fresh water to earth Replenishes ground water
Birds Alligators Snails Snakes Trees Plants