Explore the Wonderful World Wetlands: Types, Characteristics, Global Distribution
Wetlands are the amazing natural ecosystems that are formed by the convergence of land, water, and life. These wetlands, made up of waterlogged soil, unique plants, and aquatic animals, are the lifeline of our environment. Knowledge of their types, uniqueness, and distribution is essential for our livelihood.
Wetlands: An Introduction
Wetlands are a unique landform that lies between the water body and the land surface. The groundwater level in these wetlands is less than two meters from the surface. Wetlands are found in both freshwater and saltwater.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, signed in 1971, defines wetlands as follows: "Areas of marshes, fens and peatlands, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters."
Types of Wetlands
Based on the type of water they contain, wetlands can be divided into two main categories: freshwater wetlands and saltwater wetlands.
Freshwater Wetlands
- Marshes: Marshes are wetlands that are flooded with shallow freshwater. They are characterized by tall, reedy grasses and other vegetation.
- Swamps: Swamps are wetlands that are flooded with shallow freshwater. They are characterized by trees and shrubs.
Fens: Fens are wetlands that are flooded with acidic freshwater. They are characterized by mosses, sedges, and other plants that can tolerate acidic conditions
