1.4 Wetland Environment

Salt marshes

-Found along the east and west coast of the United States -Grasses grow in the rich mud

Where does wetland forms?

-Places where water is trapped in low areas -Places where groundwater seeps to the surface

Is wetland wet all the time?

-Some wetlands fill up during spring rains, and dry up during long, hot summer -Others are covered with water all year long

Bogs

-They form in depressions left by melting ice sheets thousands of years ago. - More common in cooler northern areas -The water tends to be acidic -Usually, water is covered by a thick mat of moss -It is also called Pocosin or Carolina bay

Marshes

-grassy areas covered by shallow water or a stream. -They usually have tall grass-like plants like cattails. -It does not have trees

Swamps

-shallow water in forested areas. -It has trees and shrubs. -Usually located in warm, humid climates, where trees grow quickly -It is called bayou in Louisiana

What is a major difference between a coastal and a freshwater wetland?

A coastal wetland is made up of both fresh and saltwater, a freshwater wetland is made up of the only freshwater

Wetland

A land area that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year

Why wetland is important?

For people: -Help control floods: they absorb extra runoff from heavy rain -Act as a natural water filter -Makes climate more moderate: cooler in summer, warmer in winter To wildlife -It provides habitat to many species because of their sheltered water and the rich supply of nutrients

Mangrove forest

Found along the southeastern coast of the united states. -Mangrove trees have thick tangled roots.

What are the three common types of freshwater wetlands?

Marshes, swamps, and bogs

The Everglades

a large subtropical wetland in Florida covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is very rich with wildlife

Coastal wetlands

these are coastal land areas covered with water all or part of the year- including river mouths, salt marshes, and mangrove forests.