Week 3: Why Are Wetlands So Important?
Long dismissed as worthless, wetlands were routinely paved over or filled in until scientists grasped the critical
biological, chemical, and physical roles they play in Earth systems. This week, we look at what defines a
marsh, bog, or peatland (to name just a few kinds of wetlands), and how different species have adapted to
these highly variable ecosystems. Nature’s water filters, they act as “kidneys” of the landscape, play a key role
in the water cycle, and are extremely biologically productive. We go on to examine the major causes of wetland
loss; its effects, both local and global; and mitigation and prevention strategies. This week’s Case Study takes
us to Augusta, Georgia, where grasses and man-made marshes clean effluent from a wastewater treatment
plant before it drains into the Savannah River
Week 3: Why Are Wetlands So Important?Long dismissed as worthless, wetlands were routinely paved over or filled in until scientists grasped the criticalbiological, chemical, and physical roles they play in Earth systems. This week, we look at what defines amarsh, bog, or peatland (to name just a few kinds of wetlands), and how different species have adapted tothese highly variable ecosystems. Nature’s water filters, they act as “kidneys” of the landscape, play a key rolein the water cycle, and are extremely biologically productive. We go on to examine the major causes of wetlandloss; its effects, both local and global; and mitigation and prevention strategies. This week’s Case Study takesus to Augusta, Georgia, where grasses and man-made marshes clean effluent from a wastewater treatmentplant before it drains into the Savannah River
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
