Wetlands act like giant, shallow bowls. Water collects in these bowls and slows down as it spreads out. As flood waters move through wetlands, silt and other sediment settle out. This helps to prevent streams, lakes, and other bodies of water downstream from getting clogged with a build-up of sediment. Wetlands protect homes, forests, and farms from the winds of waves of storms.
Wetlands also keep soil from eroding during storms.
The scenery and wildlife in wetlands make them an attractive area for visiting. Natural wetland areas are used by hunters and fishers as well as bird-watchers, hikers, and canoers. Underlined words are defined in the glossary . When finished viewing words in the glossary, hit the back button on your browser to return to the Cool Tour. All rights reserved.