Facts About Swamps, Everything You Need To Know

 

Much of what you know about the life around you is based on learnings or applications of learnings from different studies and research. The beautiful and dynamic biodiversity of the swamp ecosystem makes them an excellent subject for such studies. Scientists believe there is still more to learn from how everything works in a swamp ecosystem. Some of the known importance of swamps are listed below.

Swamps Act as Earth’s Giant Sponges

Just like sponges, the flood or excess water from heavy rains is absorbed by the swamps. They also serve as reservoirs that moderate the effects of flooding. They also protect coastlines from being washed away during storm surges by anchoring both the soil and sand.

Swamps Act as Earth’s Natural Water Treatment Plant 

Swamps can filter wastes from the water and naturally purify them. Nitrogen and other chemicals from human activities that get washed away into swamps are absorbed and used by the plants. Agriculture, factories and homes are big contributors to the wastes that the swamps try to filter. Chemicals that were not absorbed by the plants gradually sink down the sand and other sediments.

Swamps as Fuel Source

Plants that have died millions of years ago in old swamps can provide fossil fuel. Plant matter that hardens over time forms coals that can be used as fuel sources.

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