ENTRY 3; WEEK 7
The Functions of Wetlands
Wetlands play an important and critical role in the coastal
community. It helps with regulating the movement of water within watersheds as
well as in the global water cycle. The following elaborates in-depth on the
main functions of wetlands:
1. Climate Control- Wetlands return over two-thirds
of the annual water inputs to the atmosphere through evapo-transpiration as well
as moderate temperature extremes in adjacent uplands and absorb carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere to produce oxygen via process of photosynthesis.
2. Flood
Prevention – Wetlands act as natural barriers by absorbing the floodwaters and
aid in slow drainage of water to help reduce the risk of damages to land.
3. Aiding in coastal protection – These plants, in
specific mangroves, act as a buffer zone. The roots of the mangroves are
specially designed. They also aid in the reduction of water, sea blast and
sediments entering the sea.
4. Marine Habitat- These wetlands, provide a home
for marine life. Most animals seek shelter, feed and even reproduce in this
habitat where the nutrients are ready available to them.
5. Biogeochemical Cycling and Storage- Wetlands may
be a sink for, or transform, nutrients, organic compounds, metals, and
components of organic matter. Wetlands may also act as filters of sediments and
organic matter.
The above listed are
some of the main functions together with many more the plays a vital role in
the environment.
 |
| Caroni Swamp (Mangroves) |
References
Development, Environment and. n.d. Sustainable
Coastal Development. http://www.unesco.org/csi/act/pacsicom/pacsi1.htm.
Images- By Satish M Singh
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