Types of Wetlands
Not all wetlands are the same. There is significant diversity among wetland community types that result from abiotic and biotic environmental factors:
- morphology
- hydrology
- water chemistry
- soil characteristics
- vegetation
Coastal wetland types found in Florida:
Tidal salt marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems in world. You can find them along temperate coastline. Salt-tolerant grasses and rushes dominate tidal salt marshes.
Mangrove swamps are sub-tropical coastal communities. Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) or black mangrove species (Avicennia germinans) species dominate these. Their northern location limits coincide with the freeze line.
Inland wetland types found in Florida:
Southern swamps are deep-water systems — primarily bald cypress-tupelo and pond cypress-black gum ecosystems. These include cypress domes, dwarf cypress swamps, lake edge swamps, and cypress strands community types.
Freshwater marshes are the most diverse grouping of wetlands. Herbaceous grasses, sedges, broad leafed monocots, and floating leafed aquatics dominate these. Florida's most famous wetland — the Florida Everglades — is classified as a freshwater marsh.
Riparian occur adjacent to river and stream systems. You typically find these wetlands throughout the south central and southeastern United States. This is due to topography and rainfall.