Book 4, Question 114
Why Do Wetlands Soak Up Floods?
A wetland is like a giant sponge. Water spreads out into shallow basins, and plants and spongy ground hold it. Then the water drips out slowly, instead of rushing downstream all at once.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Wetlands along rivers soak up and store water during storms.
- They slow floodwater down, which reduces flood damage downstream.
- Wetlands along the Mississippi River once stored at least 60 days of flood water.
- Along a shore, wetlands take the hit from a storm surge, so the water loses its destructive energy.
- Slowing the water also lets it soak into the ground and refill underground water supplies.
- Wetland plants act as a natural filter, soaking up pollution from the water.
Sources: National Park Service, National Park Service, NASA Science, NOAA
Questions kids ask
How is a wetland like a sponge?
It soaks up water during storms and lets it go slowly, which helps prevent floods.