Article Title: Wetlands
Author: Jon A. Kusler, William J. Mitsch, Joseph S. Larson
Wetlands are very important to the ecosystem. They provide habitats and reproductive or feeding sites for a variety of creatures. They also store floodwater, trap sediment, and reduce pollution. Wetlands exist next to freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes. They are highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the water in the area. Most wetlands are considered long-lived because of the events people consider devastating, like fires and hurricanes.
After reading this article, I think wetlands need to be more protected. Wetlands have been destroyed because people built housing and buildings on them. Without wetlands around to absorb floodwaters, flooding will become more intense. Only 6% of all the lands are wetlands. If scientists can clarify to the public the special characteristics of wetlands as well as their importance to the environment, then perhaps we will be able to save wetlands.
Author: Jon A. Kusler, William J. Mitsch, Joseph S. Larson
- Wetlands are as diverse as rain forests.
- Provide a habitat for an extraordinary variety of creatures.
- Store floodwaters, trap sediment, and reduce pollution.
- In the U.S., more than half of wetlands in 48 states have been destroyed.
- 6% of all land is currently wetlands.
- Wetlands are shallow water systems, or areas where water is at or near the surface.
- They rise in flat and protected areas, such as salt marshes and swamps.
- Exist next to freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, and their floodplains.
- Form in surface depressions, can flourish on slopes, and can occur in cold climates.
- Short-term destruction (fires, hurricanes, floods, droughts) ensure long-term gain. Fires burn excess deposited organic matter and recycle nutrients. Hurricane and floods remove sediments and organic matter from wetlands. Droughts destroy hydrophytic vegetation.
- Wetlands have been destroyed because people built on them. Without wetlands around to absorb floodwaters, flooding will become severe.
- Are sensitive to effects of water-level changes.
- Cycles of plant growth can change over time and kinds of animals that frequent a wetland will vary.
- Are highly dependent on the quality and quantity of water in their immediate area.
- Wetlands can serve as reproductive or feeding sites for some species only if they're connected with other waterways.
- Landfills or dikes that isolate wetlands from other wetlands or water can reduce their ability to provide flood storage, water purification, and habitats.
Wetlands are very important to the ecosystem. They provide habitats and reproductive or feeding sites for a variety of creatures. They also store floodwater, trap sediment, and reduce pollution. Wetlands exist next to freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes. They are highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the water in the area. Most wetlands are considered long-lived because of the events people consider devastating, like fires and hurricanes.
After reading this article, I think wetlands need to be more protected. Wetlands have been destroyed because people built housing and buildings on them. Without wetlands around to absorb floodwaters, flooding will become more intense. Only 6% of all the lands are wetlands. If scientists can clarify to the public the special characteristics of wetlands as well as their importance to the environment, then perhaps we will be able to save wetlands.