Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Freshwater Wetland?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

A freshwater wetland is an area of land covered or saturated with water for extended periods of time. The supply of fresh water can come from a nearby body of water, such as a creek or river. In some cases, the land mass may sit on an underground supply of water, called an aqueduct. Some of the most common types of freshwater wetlands include marshes, swamps, and bogs.

A marsh is a type of coastal freshwater wetland that may be periodically covered by less than 6 feet (1.83 m) of water. Most marshes are covered in grass, bushes, and flowers, and are not usually areas that promote tree growth. Marshes are attractive to a wide variety of birds including herons, egrets, and geese. Other animals that live in and around marshes are otters, muskrats, and minks. Marshes are also home to many varieties of frogs, snakes, and turtles.

Turtles often live in wetlands.
Turtles often live in wetlands.

Swamps are similar to marshes in many ways, but unlike marshes, they do promote excessive tree growth. In addition, unlike marshes, much of the land within a swamp may be fairly dry throughout the year. Swamps are host to many exotic types of animals including alligators, caimans, and nutrias. These wetlands are also home to many types of snakes and turtles, including cottonmouths, water moccasins, and snake-necked turtles. Bears, deer, and raccoons often live in the dense wooded areas that usually surround swamps.

Alligators live in freshwater wetlands.
Alligators live in freshwater wetlands.

A bog is a type of freshwater wetland that is saturated, but not completely covered by water. In most cases, bogs have soil compositions that are poor and do not promote plant growth. Most bogs are covered in grass, but seldom have shrubs, trees, or flowers. In general, a bog biome is not attractive to most animals; however, in this type of environment, insect life can thrive. Butterflies and dragonflies are often found in bogs, as are several different types of mosquitoes.

A frog from a freshwater wetland.
A frog from a freshwater wetland.

Freshwater wetlands can exist in most any type of climate, excluding deserts. They can be found in tropical areas well below the equator as well as in ice-cold polar environments. One of the most important factors in preserving a freshwater wetland is that whatever the climate, it should not drastically change. Extreme changes in rainfall amounts or temperature can have devastating effects on the biome of wetlands. Without favorable weather, the areas can dry up, losing much of the animal and plant life that live within the biome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a freshwater wetland?

An otter from a freshwater wetland.
An otter from a freshwater wetland.

A freshwater wetland is a transitional area between terrestrial and aquatic environments, characterized by water-saturated soil or shallow water for most of the year. These ecosystems support a diverse array of plant and animal species, and they play critical roles in water purification, flood control, and as breeding grounds for many organisms.

What are the different types of freshwater wetlands?

A freshwater wetland.
A freshwater wetland.

Freshwater wetlands come in various forms, including marshes, which are dominated by herbaceous plants; swamps, which are forested wetlands; bogs, which are acidic and peat-accumulating; and fens, which are less acidic than bogs and have different vegetation. Each type supports unique habitats and biodiversity.

Why are freshwater wetlands important for biodiversity?

Minks often live in and around freshwater wetlands.
Minks often live in and around freshwater wetlands.

Freshwater wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, providing habitat for numerous species, many of which are endemic or threatened. According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are among the most productive environments on Earth, crucial for the survival of countless species including birds, mammals, and amphibians, offering food, shelter, and breeding sites.

How do freshwater wetlands benefit humans?

Raccoons can sometimes be found in wooded areas around wetlands.
Raccoons can sometimes be found in wooded areas around wetlands.

Humans rely on freshwater wetlands for a variety of ecosystem services. They filter pollutants, thus improving water quality; mitigate flooding by absorbing excess rainfall; and recharge groundwater supplies. Wetlands also offer recreational opportunities, are a source for fish and wild rice, and have cultural and educational significance.

What threats do freshwater wetlands face?

Swamps are a common form of freshwater wetland.
Swamps are a common form of freshwater wetland.

Freshwater wetlands are threatened by drainage for agriculture, urban development, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. The World Wildlife Fund reports that wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, which underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these critical ecosystems.

How can freshwater wetlands be protected and restored?

Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments.
Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments.

Protection and restoration of freshwater wetlands involve legal frameworks, such as the Clean Water Act in the United States, which regulates the discharge of pollutants into waters, including wetlands. Restoration projects may include re-establishing natural water flow, reintroducing native vegetation, and controlling invasive species to recover the ecological integrity of these areas.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Turtles often live in wetlands.
      Turtles often live in wetlands.
    • Alligators live in freshwater wetlands.
      Alligators live in freshwater wetlands.
    • A frog from a freshwater wetland.
      By: andrewburgess
      A frog from a freshwater wetland.
    • An otter from a freshwater wetland.
      By: Eric Isselée
      An otter from a freshwater wetland.
    • A freshwater wetland.
      By: Elenathewise
      A freshwater wetland.
    • Minks often live in and around freshwater wetlands.
      By: Eric Isselée
      Minks often live in and around freshwater wetlands.
    • Raccoons can sometimes be found in wooded areas around wetlands.
      By: Lars Christensen
      Raccoons can sometimes be found in wooded areas around wetlands.
    • Swamps are a common form of freshwater wetland.
      By: Aleksey Stemmer
      Swamps are a common form of freshwater wetland.
    • Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments.
      By: Matthew Cole
      Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments.
    • Inland wetlands, like lakes, contain freshwater.
      By: cantelow
      Inland wetlands, like lakes, contain freshwater.