1) In which season would you expect the most drainage through a watershed to occur? Why are wetlands especially important in thi
s season? 2) Other than soil and sediments what other materials or nutrients might accumulate in wetlands?
3) How do wetlands affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay?
1. You would expect the most drainage during the rainiest season, which is summer for the east coast of the US. This also coincides with hurricane season and snow melt runoff in spring-early summer. Wetlands absorb the excess water so that neighboring areas do not flood. They also act as important nurseries for sea life and have value for eco-tourism and potentially commercial farming. 2. Other than soul and sediments, run off from urban areas, pollution, and toxins can accumulate in wetlands. 3. This could create polluted waters in the Chesapeake Bay Area which would be detrimental to wildlife who use the area as a nursery, potentially devastating fisheries, there could be a reduction in ecotourism, a reduction in potable water for people and farms.
