Wetlands and Water Quality Josh 10/11/07

Wetlands and why they are important. One reason wetlands are important is because they support many different plant and animals. Wetlands are also important because they help flood control

One kind of wetland and 5 facts. One kind of wetland is a marsh. Five facts are: Treeless wetland ecosystem where plants such as grasses grow. Fresh water marshes are often found in shallow areas along the shores of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The plants in a marsh vary depending on the depth of the water and the location of the marsh. Grasses, reeds, bulrushes, and wild rice are common marsh plants. Muskrats, turtles, frogs, and birds also live in marshes.

Water quality and its importance. Water quality is how good or bad the water is. Water quality is important because if the water is polluted or has bad quality than it will be a problem for the plants and animals.

pH How acidic or basic a solution is 6-7 is the best

Water Temp. Water temp affects how much gas dissolves. Water temp affects which organisms will survive. Water will layer itself by temperatures. This does not let the water mix.

Sediment. Sediment is sand/dirt on the bottom made of crushed rock. Fish can hide or lay their eggs in large sediment.

Cloudiness of the water Cloudiness of the water does not allow light through so plants cannot make food