Wetlands are complicated systems that provide food, recreation, wildlife habitat, water-quality improvements, and Fool control and are natural sources of environmental aesthetics. Not all wetlands provide all the above-listed benefits. Wetlands serve as water-storage areas that reduce flooding by retaining excess water and slowly releasing it to lakes and streams.
Wetlands also act as sediment trappers.
As flowing, sediment-laden water is slowed by wetlands, the sediment suspended by faster flowing water settle among wetlands plants. Wetlands can also act as a filter for pollutants. Plants and micro-organisms can take up and use some chemical pollutants. Discuss two functions common to different wetland types. Spread a sloping layer of modeling clay or crumpled paper covered with aluminum foil in approximately one-third of the pan to represent land.