Wetlandsthat

Note: Wetlandsthat is not a standard term in wetland science; this article discusses wetlands in general and their significance.

Wetlands are ecosystems where land is saturated with water for extended periods, resulting in distinctive soils, hydrology, and vegetation. They are characterized by hydric soils, hydrophytic plant life, and frequent or prolonged inundation or saturation. Common types include marshes (grassy, non-woody vegetation), swamps (dominant woody vegetation), bogs (peat-forming, acidic, nutrient-poor), and fens (peat-forming but fed by mineral-rich groundwater).

Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services. They act as natural sponges, reducing flood risk by storing excess water and slowly releasing it. They filter pollutants, improve water quality, and support groundwater recharge. They are among the most productive ecosystems, supporting diverse plant and animal communities, including many migratory birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Wetlands also store significant amounts of carbon in soils and peat, contributing to climate regulation. In addition, they hold cultural, recreational, and economic value for many communities.

Global distribution varies with climate, hydrology, and soils. Wetland extent has declined in many regions due to drainage, agriculture, urban development, and pollution. Climate change threatens them through altered precipitation, sea-level rise, and temperature shifts, which can change hydrology and vegetation.

Conservation approaches focus on protecting remaining wetlands, restoring altered hydrological regimes, and maintaining water quality. International frameworks like the Ramsar Convention promote protection and wise use, while local restoration projects aim to reestablish natural water flow, native species, and buffer zones to improve ecosystem function.