Types of wetlands
There are four main types of wetlands: ponds, marshes, swamps and bogs. Each has its own characteristics.
The pond
The pond consists of a well-defined basin occupied by stagnant water and which is only invaded by vegetation on the periphery. It is mainly fed by rain and snowmelt, then loses its water by infiltration, direct evaporation and plant transpiration. During the summer, a portion of the pond may dry out, leaving mudflats. The shallow water of the pond allows water lilies and other plants growing on the bottom to reach the surface, while turkey grasses, pondweeds and other submerged plants grow underwater.
The marsh
The marsh is subject to periodic flooding, especially if it is located near a river or lake. As a result, the water level can change dramatically. The boundaries of the marsh are not as well defined as those of the pond. A marsh can also dry out completely before the end of the summer. A marsh is a place overgrown with coarse grasses, sedges and rushes. of the marsh are not as well defined as those of the pond. A marsh can also dry out completely before the end of the summer. A marsh is a place overgrown with coarse grasses, sedges and rushes.
The swamp
A swamp is essentially a wooded swamp, a waterlogged area feeding trees, shrubs, grasses and moss. Stagnant or gently flowing water covers much of the surface during the rainy season.
The bog
A bog is a poorly drained and moss-covered ground. The moss slowly decomposes into successive layers and eventually turns into peat.
The wonderful world of bogs
There are two types of bogs: ombrotrophic bogs and minerotrophic bogs.
The soil and water in ombrotrophic bogs are more acidic than in minerotrophic bogs because the decomposition of litter (branches, roots, leaves) is slower. The most common moss on the surface of bogs is sphagnum moss. Other plants also grow in these bogs such as sedges and shrubs of the Ericaceae family. Trees such as spruce are sometimes even found there.
In minerotrophic bogs, sedge is the predominant vegetation and sphagnum moss is rare, although some mosses that require less acidic conditions may grow there. These bogs are also covered with reeds, grasses and shrubs of medium and small size.
The wonderful world of bogs
There are two types of bogs: ombrotrophic bogs and minerotrophic bogs.
The soil and water in ombrotrophic bogs are more acidic than in minerotrophic bogs because the decomposition of litter (branches, roots, leaves) is slower. The most common moss on the surface of bogs is sphagnum moss. Other plants also grow in these bogs such as sedges and shrubs of the Ericaceae family. Trees such as spruce are sometimes even found there.
In minerotrophic bogs, sedge is the predominant vegetation and sphagnum moss is rare, although some mosses that require less acidic conditions may grow there. These bogs are also covered with reeds, grasses and shrubs of medium and small size.
