Different Types of Wetlands

SRMT WRP

Marshes ·         Marshes are wetlands that are frequently or continually inundated with water and are characterized by soft-emergent vegetation that is adapted to saturated soil condition. ·         Marshes recharge groundwater supplies and provide water to streams, which is an important function during drought periods. ·         During floods, marshes can reduce damage by slowing down and storing the flood water.

Swamps ·         Swamps are any wetlands that are dominated by woody plants. ·         Swamps have saturated soils during the growing season and standing water at certain times of the year. ·         Swamps serve as flood protection, and they remove nutrients from watersheds. The trees grown in swamps are useful for building material.

Bogs ·         Bogs are characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and a thick layer of sphagnum moss covering the wetland floor. ·         Bogs receive most of their water from precipitation, which results in low nutrient loads in this type of wetland. Acid forming peat mosses reduce nutrients even more which results in very few plant species being able to grow in the wetlands. ·         Bogs reduce flooding by absorbing precipitation.

Fens ·         Fens are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients through groundwater. ·         Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and can support more species of fauna and flora. ·         Fens provide benefits such as reducing flood risks, improving water quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Marshes ·         Marshes are wetlands that are frequently or continually inundated with water and are characterized by soft-emergent vegetation that is adapted to saturated soil condition. ·         Marshes recharge groundwater supplies and provide water to streams, which is an important function during drought periods. ·         During floods, marshes can reduce damage by slowing down and storing the flood water.

Swamps ·         Swamps are any wetlands that are dominated by woody plants. ·         Swamps have saturated soils during the growing season and standing water at certain times of the year. ·         Swamps serve as flood protection, and they remove nutrients from watersheds. The trees grown in swamps are useful for building material.

Bogs ·         Bogs are characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and a thick layer of sphagnum moss covering the wetland floor. ·         Bogs receive most of their water from precipitation, which results in low nutrient loads in this type of wetland. Acid forming peat mosses reduce nutrients even more which results in very few plant species being able to grow in the wetlands. ·         Bogs reduce flooding by absorbing precipitation.

Fens ·         Fens are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients through groundwater. ·         Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and can support more species of fauna and flora. ·         Fens provide benefits such as reducing flood risks, improving water quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.