Wetlands are a hugely important type of ecosystem found on every continent across the globe except Antarctica. The EPA defines wetlands as, “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” Wetlands support a diversity of life – including both terrestrial and aquatic species. There are many subtypes of wetlands which vary in climate, topography, type of soil, kinds of species supported, water salinity, and level of human impact. It is easy to divide wetlands into two easily distinguishable categories: coastal wetlands and inland wetlands. As the name suggests, coastal wetland are found along the coast and can be marine wetlands (saltwater) or estuarine wetlands (a mix of saltwater and freshwater). Wetlands are extremely important! They…
- keep water clean by acting as a filter
- provide a habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and plants
- reduce flooding
- guard against erosion
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