What is in a wetland ecosystem?
A wetland is an area of land that is either covered with water or saturated with water. Unique plants, called hydrophytes, define wetland ecosystems. A wetland is an area of land that is either covered by water or saturated with water. The water is often groundwater, seeping up from an aquifer or spring.
How is a wetland an example of an ecosystem?
Wetlands provide essential habitats for many wildlife and plant species, and are focal ecosystems for many others. Wetlands are often concentrated in valley bottoms and lowland areas, where industrial, urban, and agricultural development pres- sures are highest.
Where is wetland ecosystem found?
Indeed, wetlands are found from the tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica. Two general categories of wetlands are recognized: coastal or tidal wetlands and inland or non-tidal wetlands.
What is wetland project?
Wetlands projects attempt to manage and enhance existing wetland habitat or create new wetland areas. such as underwater brush piles, fish habitat, basking platforms, turtle nesting areas, and floating islands, etc. species control programs, plantings, water quality monitoring, etc.
What is importance of wetlands?
Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining many natural cycles and supporting a wide range of biodiversity. They purify and replenish our water, and provide the fish and rice that feed billions. They serve as a natural sponge against flooding and drought, protect our coastlines and help fight climate change.
What is called wetland?
A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands can be freshwater, brackish (partly salty), or saline (very salty). Wetlands are known as the Earth’s kidneys because, like your kidneys, they serve the very important function of filtering water.
What does protected wetlands mean?
Coastal wetlands are also protected under California’s Coastal Act (CCA) of 1976, which defines wetlands as “lands within the coastal zone which may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and …
How are wetlands helpful?
Far from being useless, disease-ridden places, wetlands provide values that no other ecosystem can. These include natural water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation and natural products for our use at no cost.