Wetland Classification Flashcards
What are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for varying periods of time.
Where do wetlands exist?
At the interface between terrestrial and aquatic environments
Wetlands are characterized by . . .
All three features must be present for _____________ NOT for __________ wetlands
hydric soils, distinctive vegetation adapted to saturated conditions, and periodic water inundation.
jurisdictional, functional
What are the 6 broad types of wetlands?
- freshwater
- forested freshwater
- peatland
- mineral-rich
- saltwater coastal
- coastal salt marsh
A freshwater wetland characterized as a grassland area with herbaceous vegetation, saturated soils, and seasonal water levels is a . . . ?
Marsh
A forested freshwater wetland in a woody environment dominated by trees adapted to periodic flooding with complex root system is a . . . ?
Swamp
A peatland wetland characterized as an acidic ecosystem with waterlogged conditions and sphagnum moss and unique low-nutrient plant adaptations is a . . . ?
Bog
A Groundwater-fed wetlands with mineral-rich soils, supporting diverse plant communities and higher
biodiversity is a . . . ?
Fen
A tropical or subtropical tidal forest with
salt-tolerant trees, serving as critical marine ecosystem interface along a coast is a . . . ?
Mangrove
A dynamic intertidal zone with salt-tolerant grasses, which provides essential habitats for marine and terrestrial species is a . . . ?
Coastal salt marsh
What are the 6 ecosystem services of wetlands?
- water filtration
- flood control
- climate regulation
- habitat and biodiversity
- recreation and tourism
- unique agriculture
In what ways do wetlands help with water filtration?
Microbial Transformation
Anaerobic and aerobic bacteria
convert nitrogen compounds through
complex biogeochemical processes.
Root System Filtration
Dense vegetation and root systems
trap sediments and facilitate biological
pollutant removal.
Substrate Filtration
Specialized substrate layers remove
heavy metals, suspended solids, and
organic contaminants.
In what ways do wetlands helps with flood control?
Water Storage Mechanisms
Wetlands act as natural reservoirs through dense vegetation and porous substrates.
Risk Mitigation Impact
Wetlands can reduce downstream flood damages by 30-50%, protecting infrastructure
Flood Protection Mechanism
Porous substrates and complex vegetation networks intercept and gradually release flood waters, stabilizing regional hydrological systems
In what ways do wetlands help with climate regulation?
Wetland Carbon Sequestration
Complex biogeochemical process of capturing and storing atmospheric C
Carbon Capture Mechanisms
Storing carbon in plant biomass, roots, and anaerobic sediment layers
_______ store up to 44% of the global soil carbon.
_________ sequester up to 4x the amount of carbon as rainforests per hectare.
peat bogs
mangroves
In what ways do wetlands provide critical habitat?
Wetlands support complex ecological networks, providing microhabitats for
over 35% of global endangered species.
Marine Breeding Grounds
Coastal marshes serve as crucial
breeding grounds for 75% of commercial fish species.
Unique Ecosystems
Mangrove forests host endemic species like the proboscis monkey and saltwater crocodiles
In what ways do wetlands benefit recreation and tourism?
Wetland tourism generates over
$47 billion annually, with activities
like bird-watching, sport fishing,
and eco-tours attracting 350
million visitors worldwide.
Wetlands provide critical
recreational spaces, offering
urban populations access to
nature-based experiences.
Why classify wetlands?
Conservation, management, monitoring, and assessment
What is significant about being able to communicate scientifically when discussing wetlands?
Provides a rigorous taxonomic
framework that enables precise inter-disciplinary dialogue, allowing
ecologists, hydrologists, and
environmental policy experts to share
standardized, quantifiable wetland
ecosystem data.
What are the three classification criteria for wetlands?
Hydrology, soil, and plants
Elaborate on the hydrology classification criteria
Comprehensive assessment of water
regime, including water source (groundwater, surface water, tidal), inundation frequency, duration, and seasonal variations. Evaluates
permanent vs. temporary water presence and critical hydroperiod metrics
Elaborate on the soil classification criteria
Detailed analysis of hydric soil characteristics, including organic matter content, gleying processes, oxidation- reduction potential, and morphological indicators. Focuses on soil texture,
drainage class, and evidence of prolonged
saturation.
Elaborate on the plant classification criteria
Systematic identification of hydrophytic vegetation, categorizing plants by wetland
affinity: obligate wetland, facultative wetland, and facultative upland species. Examines plant adaptations such as aerenchyma tissue, specialized root structures, and tolerance to anaerobic
conditions.
What are the three wetland classification systems?
Ramsar, Cowardin, and HGM
