What's in a Wetland -- Overview

Wetlands are extremely varied ecosystems comprised of flat or depressed areas along the edges of lakes and oceans. Wetlands occur when the top levels of soil are frequently exposed to large amounts of water. According to the EPA, wetlands “is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas found in generally flat vegetated areas, in depressions in the landscape, and between dry land and water along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines” (EPA). 

Because of their extreme diversity and variation, wetlands can be found in almost any climate and location. In fact, there are wetlands on every continent except Antarctica. Some examples of wetlands around the world are (WWF):

The Pantal Wetlands in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay

Pantal Wetlands

 Wasur National Park, Indonesia

Wasur National Park

 Okavango Wetlands in Botswana

Okavango Wetlands

The above photos make apparent the immense variation in the appearances and locations of wetlands. The wetlands above come from three different continents, and rang from having small shrubs and moss to tall trees and reeds.

There are also wetlands found throughout the United States. Our wetlands are generally divided into two types: inland wetlands and coastal wetlands. Inland wetlands are found in the interior of North America in depressions and flat land along the edge of rivers and lakes. In contrast, coastal wetlands are found off the shorelines of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts (EPA)

The variation in wetland ecosystems give rise to a large biodiversity. In many wetlands, the climate alternates between wet and dry. During some of the year the ground is almost completely covered in shallow water, while at other times it is very dry. Additionally, especially in coastal wetlands, the mixture of freshwater and saltwater create an environment of varying salinity. The plants and animals of wetlands have adapted well to these varying conditions, the wetlands themselves create both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Some examples of these habitats are saltmarshes, which host vegetation such as pickleweed and eel grass. Mudflats are the chosen habitat of mollusks and some marine worms. Fish nurseries commonly occur in the deep water tidal channels in coastal wetlands. In addition to these permanent wetland residents, migratory birds visit wetlands during spring and fall to feed and rest. Wetlands in the Central California Coast are particularly important for these birds, as it is part of one of the four most important bird migration routes in North America. (SLO-Coast)