Wetland ecosystems are super important for reducing flood risks. They work by interacting with plants and tiny creatures called invertebrates. Wetlands like marshes, swamps, and bogs make up about 6% of the Earth's land. Even though they cover a small area, they greatly affect how water moves around. Wetlands can soak up and hold a lot of water, which helps control floods, especially in places that get heavy rain.
Storing Water: Wetlands can hold up to 1.5 million liters of water for every hectare. This amount can change based on what plants and soil are there. Thanks to this ability, wetlands can manage up to 80% of the extra water that comes during heavy rain.
Plants Matter: The plants in wetlands, like reeds and sedges, create homes for different tiny creatures. These plants help slow down the flow of water. When water moves slowly, sediments can settle down, which helps minimize runoff. Studies show that where there are lots of plants, flood levels can be reduced by up to 50% compared to areas with fewer plants.
Tiny Creatures Help: Small creatures like snails and worms also help keep water in wetlands. For example, some of these creatures dig in the soil, which makes it easier for water to seep in. Research shows that wetlands with a lot of different invertebrates can recycle nutrients 25% better. This boosts plant growth, which builds stronger barriers against floods.
In conclusion, the teamwork between plants and tiny creatures in wetlands makes them really good at stopping floods. They play an essential role in keeping our environment healthy, especially as we deal with climate change.
Wetland ecosystems are super important for reducing flood risks. They work by interacting with plants and tiny creatures called invertebrates. Wetlands like marshes, swamps, and bogs make up about 6% of the Earth's land. Even though they cover a small area, they greatly affect how water moves around. Wetlands can soak up and hold a lot of water, which helps control floods, especially in places that get heavy rain.
Storing Water: Wetlands can hold up to 1.5 million liters of water for every hectare. This amount can change based on what plants and soil are there. Thanks to this ability, wetlands can manage up to 80% of the extra water that comes during heavy rain.
Plants Matter: The plants in wetlands, like reeds and sedges, create homes for different tiny creatures. These plants help slow down the flow of water. When water moves slowly, sediments can settle down, which helps minimize runoff. Studies show that where there are lots of plants, flood levels can be reduced by up to 50% compared to areas with fewer plants.
Tiny Creatures Help: Small creatures like snails and worms also help keep water in wetlands. For example, some of these creatures dig in the soil, which makes it easier for water to seep in. Research shows that wetlands with a lot of different invertebrates can recycle nutrients 25% better. This boosts plant growth, which builds stronger barriers against floods.
In conclusion, the teamwork between plants and tiny creatures in wetlands makes them really good at stopping floods. They play an essential role in keeping our environment healthy, especially as we deal with climate change.