scientific definition of wetlands
Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table (the level at which the soil is saturated) is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. The definition goes on to say that to be officially classified as a wetland, an area must have one or more of the following: 1  It must support the growth of specific types of water loving plants. 2  The soil must be of a moisture-filled (hydric) type. 3  The soil must be saturated or covered with water at some time during each growing season.