What makes a wetland wet?
We know wetlands best as shallow, mushy waterways with lots of thick vegetation. Of course, there is more to a wetland than muck and vegetation. Wetlands really are “wet lands.” Most of them are transition zones between upland areas and larger waterways like rivers, lakes or the ocean. A transition zone might include a flood plain, riparian area, delta or estuary. Some wetlands are found in low-lying areas of woods or fields. An area’s geology sometimes creates a wetland because water seeps to the surface, as it does in a small spring. Wetlands can even be temporary, like a vernal pond. These ponds fill with rainwater each spring or fall, but may become dry over the summer. We often think of wetlands only as swamps. You would be amazed at how many different kinds of wetlands there really are. And each type has unique features. Because there are so many, scientists categorize them in several groups and types. Coastal wetlands (marine or estuarine) include shrub wetlands, salt marshes, m
Related Questions
- I live or own property within 250 feet of a river, stream, pond, wetland and/or wet soils, are there any permits beyond a building permit that must be obtained from the town or state?
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