Unit 7 – Water Systems Section 2- Wetlands

What are Wetlands? lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor determining the nature of soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil and on its surface act as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

Categories of wetlands: Marshes Dominated by soft-stem vegetation

Categories of wetlands: Swamps Dominated by woody plants

Categories of wetlands: Bogs Freshwater, often formed in old glacial lakes, Characterized by spongy, peat deposits, evergreen trees and shrubs, and a floor covered by a thick carpet of sphagnum moss.

Peat Moss Shagnum Moss

Categories of wetlands: Fens Freshwater peat-forming wetlands covered mostly by grasses, sedges, reeds, and wildflowers

Wetland Functions Habitat Provide homes for thousands of species of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals Organisms such as insect larvae, clams and crayfish form the basis of the food pyramid for the many fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals that flourish in them. We get useful products from some wetlands including blueberries, cranberries, shellfish and timber Wetlands are teeming with many microscopic organisms, insects such as damsel flies, dragon flies, water striders and boatmen, and invertebrates such as clams and crayfish. OF the 38 species of amphibians in PA 32 of them find a home in wetlands. Many of PA’s threatened and endangered species are associated with wetlands (ie. 62 % of the birds on the list are associated with wetlands)

Water Storage Wetlands act like natural sponges, absorbing and storing water This process slows the water’s momentum and erosive potential reduces flood heights allows for ground water recharge contributes to base flow to surface water systems during dry periods The ability of wetlands to store floodwaters reduces the risk of costly property damage and loss of life—benefits that have economic value to us. The rise and fall of water levels in tidal wetlands are much less than in areas where wetlands have been destroyed.

Water Filtration Wetlands slow water movement Water moves around plants Suspended sediments drop out and settle to the wetland floor. Nutrient rich and shallow, so lots of photosynthesis which leads to a very diverse ecosystem

Plant roots and microorganisms in the soil absorb nutrients from: Fertilizer application Manure Leaking Septic Tanks Municipal Sewage Other pollutants stick to soil particles. Some types of wetlands are so good at this filtration function that environmental managers construct similar artificial wetlands to treat storm water and wastewater.

Biological Productivity Wetlands are some of the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world comparable to tropical rain forests and coral reefs in their productivity and biodiversity. Provide Habitats Abundant vegetation and shallow water provide diverse habitats for fish and wildlife. Many plant and animal species are entirely dependent upon wetlands for survival Animals spawn, nest, breed, rest and raise their young

Supports valuable commercial fish and shellfish industries. Nutrient Rich Aquatic plant life flourishes in the nutrient-rich environment Energy converted by the plants is passed up the food chain to fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife and to us as well. Supports valuable commercial fish and shellfish industries.