Wetlands/ Swamps

1. Wetlands/Swamps Wetlands/ Swamps By: Steven Wilber & Danielle Hollenbeck By Steven Wilber & Danielle Hollenbeck

2. Types of Wetlands Freshwater Wetlands Saltwater Wetlands Estuaries • Bogs • Marshes • Swamps

3. Effects of Latitude and Altitude Latitude Altitude The higher up in the atmosphere something is locate, the cooler the air. Less vegetation with higher altitude. Proximity to a mountain creates a rain shadow effect on the leeward side. • The higher the latitude, or distance from equator, the cooler the temperature. • Higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight than lower altitudes. • More defined seasons the further away from the equator but less defined closer to the poles.

4. Continued… • Wetlands in the south are host to species that do not inhabit similar wetlands in the north. • Wetlands exist where soil is saturated for much of the year. • Therefore wetlands depend on: location, location, location.

5. Biotic and Abiotic Features Biotic Abiotic Non-living components of the ecosystem: Sunlight Air Soil Water Etc. • Living components of the ecosystem: • Flowers • Bacteria • Herons • Muskrats • Snakes • Turtles • Salamanders • Etc.

6. Wetland Duckweed

7. Wetland/Swamp Trophic Levels • Trophic Levels • 1st is primary producers • Plant life • 2nd is First-level consumers • Herbivores • 3rd is Second-level consumers • Carnivores • 4th is Third-level consumers • Carnivores and omnivores

9. Water Cycle • Wetlands collect and hold floodwater, then slowly release them. • Soils purify water • Critical in regulating the movement of water.

10. Nitrogen Cycle • Wetlands contain nitrogen fixing bacteria • The bacteria fixes and releases nitrogen back into the atmosphere • An equilibrium is reached between nitrogen in the atmosphere, soil, and water.

11. Phosphorus Cycle • Phosphorus is distributed in wetland water. • Removed by plants and soil microbes • Absorbed quickly in watershed soils.

12. Carbon Cycle • Wetlands affect carbon in the atmosphere in two ways: • 1) They are carbon reservoirs • The carbon is released when the water level lowers • 2) Take CO2 out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis by wetland plants • Wetlands also release CO2

13. Wetland Plants Duckweed Cattail Provide: Food Nesting Shelter Cover for many wetland species • Food source for ducks and foul • Floats on the water surface • Is not rooted to the bottom

14. Wetland Animals Muskrat Great Blue Heron Control fish and insect populations Important food source for predators • Abundant in wetland marshes • Important prey animals • Graze on vegetation • Therefore influence local plant growth

15. Limiting Factors • Limiting Factors • Rainfall • Species Diversity • Phosphorus • Chemical Runoff • Depletion of diversity • Climate • Predation

16. Wetland Resources Ecological Resources Economic Resources Restore water quality Reduce flood risks Provide wildlife Reduce erosion Recreation Maintain water flow during drought Etc. • Wildlife • Plant life • Bacteria • Soil • Filtration • Phosphorous • Nitrates • Etc.

17. Effects of Humans Humans Effects Increased erosion Alter soil composition Increased sediments Water level fluctuation Alters nutrient input and recycling Phosphorus runoff Upsets chemical balance of water • Home development • Filling • Clearing of vegetation • Change in drainage patterns • Pollutants and increased sediments • Agriculture

18. Wetland Protection Laws Law Summary Regulates discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters Government protection and restoration act Prevents degradation of our natural resources Protection of Wetland resources • Clean Water Act • Coastal Zone Management Act • National Environmental Policy Act • Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act