Wetlands Vocabulary

2. Functions: water-retention of soil
5. Uptake: biological processes occurring naturally in the ecosystem removing contaminants
6. wetlands filled with peat and acidic water
9. wetlands with woody plants
11. Productivity: measurement of the rate in which energy can be consumed within an ecosystem resulting in a growth in biomass
13. dead material
14. Cycling: process of moving organic and inorganic matter throughout an ecosystem
16. contains low oxygen
17. water-loving
19. lightly salty water
20. structures used to stop water from naturally changing course

1. permanently or seasonally saturated with water
2. Regime: regular pattern of variations in water levels
3. barriers which restrict water flow
4. spongy tissue and channels within the leaves, stems and roots of plants allowing air to pass through providing oxygen for growth
5. Contribution: recharge of shallow groundwater contributing to stream flow
7. Sites: habitats migratory birds will utilize to gather resources along the flyway during bi-annual migration
8. Benefits: services provided by wetlands which are valuable to landowners, communities, businesses and governments
10. Source Pollution: coming from a clearly identified source
12. areas flooded or saturated by water and support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soils
15. earthy material covering ground such as dirt, rocks, sand or soil
18. wetland with frequent flooding or constant surface water