Wetlands Communities of Florida - Term Paper Example

Wetland Communities: Florida, U.S.A s Introduction Wetland ecosystems are an important part of the ecology of a place since they serve as a natural resource and are beneficial to the environment in more ways than just one. The geological setting and climatic conditions of South Florida has helped in the emergence of several wetlands which serves several ecological purposes. The variety of habitats, landscape diversity and subtropical setting of the wetlands provides diversity of faunal and floral communities in the region. At present most of South Florida’s wetlands are facing threat especially from anthropogenic activities and global climate change phenomenon and needs proper management strategies to be implemented to help conserve these natural resources of Florida. Climatic Conditions of South Florida South Florida is primarily subtropical and humid. The temperature in the coastal areas is temperate. The summer months is tempered by sea breezes in the regions around the coast and characterized by frequent thundershowers in the afternoon and the evening. The region of South Florida is blessed with abundant rainfall. The rainy month extends from June to September and the rains are often associated with thunderstorms and cyclones. The annual rainfall of the region ranges between 40-65 inches. The eastern coast receives more rainfall. The rainfall is bimodal in nature i.e. two maximum rainfalls occurs during the rainfall months- one in early summer and one in late summer.Flooding also occurs in some places.Most floral communities are not affected by the problem of flooding eventhough some animals such as crocodiles and alligator are affected1 Tropical cyclones such as hurricane and storms affect the climatic conditions of the place and produces severe weather conditions. The tropical cyclones are associate diwth high rainfall and tides which are responsible for causing coastal and inland flooding. Wind velocity is also high during the tropical cyclone and has damaging effects on the region. Researchers have measured the rate of evapotranspiartion and have established that in undisturbed wetlands the evapotranspiration ranges between 70-905 of the rainfall. South Florida Geology The climatic conditions of South Florida along with its geology are perfect for existence of numerous wetlands in the region. The surface geological setting of Florida that can be seen today is the result of marine as well as freshwater processes. At higher levels, owing to the water processes limestone was deposited as a result of which beaches and dunes of the region were created. However at lower levels the limestone could not be deposited since it was constantly eroded by the flowing acidic freshwater. This constant erosion of limestone gave rise to the riddled solution features which today is considered the unique characteristic of South Florida region. The formation of the large number of wetlands was the result of a number of events. The sea level constantly rose around the region post the Pleistocene epoch when the glaciers receded. The higher levels of waters in the seas put an end to the leakage and runoffs and moreover with greater rainfall in the region, wetlands gradually emerged. The constantly rising of the sea water levels supported the wetland formation of both coastal and freshwater wetlands. The entire region of South Florida is underlain by huge volumes of marine carbonate sediments. Gradually south Florida was connected to the mainland from where the classic sediments deposited in the southern region leading to younger Tertiary deposition which was primarily composed of marine sand, sandy limestone and marls. Three major aquifer systems is present in this region-Floridan, intermediate and surficial. The confined aquifer system which lies nearer to the surface in parts of Northern Florida digs deeper in the Southern region. The intermediate aquifer system that lies in the region is semi confined and serves as a confined unit for the region alone. The surficial aquifer system consists of the Biscayne aquifer system which is recharged constantly by abundant rainfall2. Hydrology of the South Florida Region One of the prime features of South Florida is the wetlands that are found abundantly all over the region. The key factors behind the emergence and existence of these wetlands are the low-lying and flat terrain and the abundant rainfall. The rainfall water floods the ponds and is evapotranspired. The water also recharges the aquifers or flows as sheet water on the surface. Regions that are flooded for extensive periods of time owing to stagnation of rainwater develop peat which is filled with calcitic mud. The drainage pattern of the region varies as one moves from north to south of South Florida.. In the north, the wetlands are drained by rivers such as Kissimmee, the Peace, the Myaka etc. the Kissimmee River meanders slowly and discharges into lake Okeechobee. River Peace and River Myaka flow and discharge into the Charlotte harbor. In the southern parts large rivers do not play much role and therefore the streams of the region are smaller and freshwater discharges into the coastal areas. All rivers of the region except for River Peace that drain the south Florida wetlands are typically low in nutrient concentration. Soils of South Florida Wetlands The wetlands have a variety of soils as well and each of these soils have distinct characteristics. The central part of the Everglade wetlands consists of organic Histosols and Inceptisols. Marl soils or calcitic soils are also found in the everglade region. Marl soil is derived from dead decaying organic matter of the wetlands. However most the wetlands have peat soil which is really good for plant communities that thrive on it. Everglades of Florida The Everglades extend from Lake Okeechobee to the peninsular Florida region in the south. Primarily, Everglades are large expanse of freshwater marshes. An extremely unique feature of the Everglades is that the water of this region flows as sheets over the land unlike other wetlands which are basically dependent on flowing rivers or streams. The Everglade region has a slight slope and the sheet water flow occurs owing to this slope. Owing to this different elevation of land and different sites in the Everglade region, more than one habitat maybe found here includes pinelands, mangroves, sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps etc. Some of the habitats that one would find the area covered with marsh vegetation. Sloughs Sloughs are commonly found in the Everglade region. These are low flat areas that channels water through the Everglade region. These small rivers remain flooded with water for most parts of the year. Two important sloughs are found in the Everglade region- Shark River Slough and Taylor Slough. Other smaller sloughs are also found in the Cypress swamp as well. The Big Cypress Swamp Lying on the western side of the Everglades is the Big Cypress Swamp which lies at the slightly higher level. The elevation of the region ranges between 4-12 meters above sea level. Much of the region is inundated with water for most days of the year Owing to the relatively higher land in this region there is comparatively lesser water inundation and lesser soil deposition as well. The big Cypress Swamp differs from the Everglades in terms of topography, soil and vegetation. The surface of the land in this region is basically flat. However the flat region is characterized by numerous outcrops and depressions of limestone. The region is primarily a flat, swampy region which covers almost 3,120 square kilometers. The soil of the swamp is thin and comprised of a mixture of marls and sand. The main feature of the swamp is the presence of small stunted cypress trees from where the region has gained its name. Besides the cypress vegetation, pine and hammock forests are also seen in regions which are at a slightly higher level. The Big Cypress swamp serves a number of ecological purposes and helps in maintaining the environment of the region. The region has high biomass production which shows that it can efficiently utilize sunlight for production of organic energy. Water availability in the region affects the organic and biomass production of the swamp. Drainage increases leaf litter by 45% and decreases production in the forest. Mangrove and Coastal Glades of South Florida Lying to the southern direction of the Everglades and The Big Cypress Swamp, is the mangrove and coastal glades which is an extensive region of marsh and swamps. The land is either at or almost near sea level owing to which it is flooded with sea water. The mangroves form brackish-water swamps near the coastal shoreline. Mangrove and coastal glades normally are inhabited by trees that are freeze-sensitive. Mangroves of the region are important for the estuarine and marine environment. The mangroves offers several ecosystem services as well such as providing habitats, foraging site, nesting sites etc. However, most importantly mangroves recycle nutrients and the nutrient mass balance of estuarine communities is well managed by the mangroves. The red mangroves found near the coastal wetlands are the most productive of all communities and produces a high amount of biomass. Flora of South Florida Wetlands South Florida wetlands are home to a large variety of floral communities. Feshwater marshes such as the Everglades are primarily dominated by herbaceous vegetation. The vegetation comprises of perennial plants. Sawgrass and spikerush are commonly found in the Everglade region. Some of the common floral communities present in South Florida freshwater marshes includes Aletris lutea, Bacopa monnieri, Hyptis alata, Ludwigia sp, Saggitaria lancifolia etc. Besides fresh water vegetation Hammock vegetation is also found in some places.Small forests comprising of trees and shrubs that have adapted themselves to the climate of the wetlands are found in the wetlands. Tress islands are also found in the wetlands. These are areas which is dominated by one species of a tree and the area obtains its name from the tree that grows dominantly in that area e.e. Big Cypress Swamp. In swampy areas such as the Big Cypress Swamp, cypress tress dots the region. The tree islands are also home to hammocks, orchids and ferns which grow as a result of the warm humid climate of the region. The most important plant community especially in the Everglade region and coastal areas is the mangroves which are also the keystone species. The mangroves provide a link between the saline waters and freshwater marshes and help the surrounding environment by buffering the lands and mitigating erosion of soil. Wet prairie or Savanna kind of vegetation is found in places such as the Big Cypress and Everglades. Wet Prairie is primarily associated with pine flat wood and hydric pine flat wood vegetation. Plant Exotic Species in and around Wetlands: Numerous exotic species have invaded the wetlands of Florida. One of the most important species that has become invasive is Melaleuca quinquenervia. This particular invasive exotic species even invaded the Everglades which is now considered a World Heritage site. The invasion has negatively affected the native species of the region particularly the Everglade graminoid marshes. It is not only the native floral communities that have been severely impacted upon but local fauna has also been affected as well. Lesser number of bird species and smaller mammals inhabit the areas covered with Melaleuca. Australian-Pine had been planted throughout Florida to provide shade and wind-breaker. However these evergreen, salt-tolerant trees being highly adaptable in nature displaced native trees and grew rapidly throughout the South Florida region. Fauna of South Florida Wetlands The variety of habitats that the South Florida region has automatically means a large variety of fauna will also inhabit the areas. Birds are symbolic for the wetlands of South Florida. Migratory and wading birds are seen in the wetlands. Most common wading birds found in the wetlands include white stork, spoonbill, Glossy ibis, herons and egrets. These birds are an indicator of the health of the wetlands. In the recent years there has been a rapid decrease in the number of migratory birds and wading water birds which is an indication of deteriorating water quality of the wetlands. The region is also home to a number of mammals. Smaller mammals such as raccoons, bobcats etc are commonly found in the regions. The most important inhabitant of the regions around the wetlands is the Florida panther which is an endangered species. The Big Swamp fox squirrel which inhabits the sawgrass marshes is listed as a threatened animal. The American Alligator is perhaps the most important inhabitant of the South Florida Wetlands and is also the keystone species of the region. Most importantly these alligators play an important role in the ecology of the area. South Florida tends to become extremely dry in the summer months. The American alligators are known to dig ponds and maintain them. These ponds offer refuge to the aquatic organisms. Long term studies conducted in the Cypress Swamps of the area establish this relation between the gator ponds dug by the American alligators and the existence of aquatic life.3 Other animals which are equally important are the West Indian manatee and Bottle nosed dolphin which are seen mostly near the coastal areas. Loss of Wetlands and Its consequences The Wetlands are of immense importance to the people of Florida. The diversity of both floral and faunal organisms of the wetlands not only means a source of food for the local people but is also provides for recreational activities, adds aesthetic values and opens up opportunities for recreational industries and tourism as well. For example in 1994, fishing in wetlands brought in a sum of about $13.5 million for 5 million pounds of fish and shellfish 4Therefore a loss of wetlands would not only mean loss of wildlife and flora but would have a negative impact on the people who somehow or the other depend on the existing wetlands. The wetlands also add an aesthetic value to a place which in turn helps the region earn from recreational activities and tourism. The Everglades being a beautiful region with a wide variety of wildlife flora and fauna, is a which has holds a great aesthetic value in south Florida region. Wetlands serve the society in multiple ways but anthropogenic activities have profoundly contributed to the gradual loss of the wetlands. The Everglade region is being constantly threatened by numerous factors. Pollution is of the main concerns of the wetlands today. It is true that wetlands have a capability for carbon sequestration and can act as filters as well however there is a limit up to which the wetlands can tolerate pollution and filter them however once this threshold level is crossed and pollutants overload the natural system of the wetlands, automatically the wetlands face a threat of destruction. Pollutants that can be found in the wetlands today comes from storm water run-offs that contain oils and grease etc from cars and parking lots, run-offs containing harmful fertilizers and pesticides etc. These toxic discharges are harmful to wetlands as well as humans and decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the waters. The excess nutrients also lead to eutrophication and degrade the water quality. Construction on wetlands is also threatening their existence. Man has always harmed nature to create space for its own kind. Florida’s population has been growing in number and several industries have also emerged in the region. The main solution towards accommodating all of these was to fill up the productive wetlands and construct buildings etc on the lands. Filling and construction activities in and around wetlands automatically poses a threat to the water and the organisms that thrive there. Such activities alter the habitats of the various and plants and animals and lead to their elimination. Constructions of docks and piers reduced light penetration and removes submerged plants from the wetlands. Several hydrological impacts have also been affecting the wetlands. Drainage and flood control strategies “converted 700,000 acres of wetlands to dry lands, and the decreased flow and reduced period of saturation has degraded many others”.5 Moreover, in the Everglades constructions have altered the sheet flow and hydro period. Water from the freshwater Evetglades is alos siphones off or channeled to other parts. This was initiated in the late 1800’s when in the name of agriculture; canals were dredged from the wetlands to provide water for farming and vegetation. Therefore, precious water from Lake Okeechobee is channeled and the water level of the Everglades has been declining since then. However, as the population grew and there was less freshwater availability, aquifers were targeted and hence Biscayne’s size diminished gradually owing to extraction of water 6 Impact of Climate Change Changes in global climate change have impacted almost all things on Earth and the Everglades are not an exception. Everglades is a peat land and changes in climatic condition would inhibit the formation of peat. And the Everglades would no longer be a peat land owing to temperature changes. The Everglades region is already a stresses ecosystem because of constant human interference but changes in the global temperatures is a concern especially for vulnerable ecosystems such as the Everglades of South Florida. With increase in temperatures, the sea water levels are bound to rise. A ring of mangroves separates the freshwater Everglades from the saline sea water. With increase in the level of sea water it would become increasingly difficult for the mangroves alone to keep the saline waters from entering the Everglades. The changes in the climatic conditions would also have its impact on the wildlife of the Everglades even though at present it is not possible to accurately predict the impact on the living organisms. However, projection studies have shown that the climate in Florida would become hotter and drier and hence only those species which can survive in heat will be able to survive. One of the heat loving species of the region is the invasive Melaleuca tress which is already a problem in the wetlands. The winters are also predicted to be much warmer than they are now. This means that the forest and vegetation pattern of the region would also be altered. A warmer climate means that cold and frost would be much lesser hence tropical trees that can thrive only in warm climatic conditions may be seen growing in the Everglade regions Scientists also believe that the frequency of hurricane and storms would also be altered. Previously such catastrophes have been associated with wildfires and droughts and if owing to climate change their frequency was to be enhanced then one may expect greater frequency of droughts and fires in the Everglade region. Solutions to the Problems Man is already aware about the consequences that anthropogenic activities would have on the wetlands of the region and therefore it is up to the stakeholders of the Government to try and mitigate the damage as much as possible and conserve the much needed wetlands. The most important way towards this is to minimize the impacts. Sewage and other harmful contaminants need to be treated before they are allowed to enter the wetlands. Construction and other harmful activities need to be reduced as well. Proper management strategies need to be implemented to allow the wetlands to thrive on their own and continue providing the pivotal ecological services to South Florida and its environment. However it is not only mitigating the present activities that need to be looked into but planning alos needs to be done to protect the region from the problem of climate change as well. This maybe done by reducing greenhouse gas emission in the region and introducing freshwater of the region to prohibit entry of saline water into the wetlands. Conclusion The prime and most important feature of the South Florida region is its wetlands. The wetlands offer a number of ecological services and are important for environment of South Florida. The people of Florida depend on these wetlands. However emergence of threats to these wetlands is of great concern since not only the quality of wetlands has deteriorated but there has also been an intense effect of this deterioration on the biodiversity of the region. The changes in climatic conditions and altered patterns of the weather are bound to have a severe detrimental effect on these natural systems. Also, there is much need to protect the wildlife of the region as well. Since habitat destruction of species is one of the core threats to the life in wetlands, policies and measures need to be implemented to ensure that the habitats of the wild flora and fauna is not disturbed at all. The need of the hour is to make sure that the wetlands are protected against the effects of anthropogenic activities. Management plans and actions need to be adopted to help conserve these wetlands and also the wide biodiversity of the region. References 1. Davis,S.,Ogden,J. (1994). Everglades: The Ecosystem and Its Restoration.St Lucie Press,Florids. Print. 2. Benjamin et al.(1996) The south Florida environment: a region under stress. Pg14.Print. 3. Kushlan,J. (1974). “Observations on the Role of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in the Southern Florida Wetlands.Copeia. 1974(4): 993-996. 4. Florida State of Environment.(1994).”A guide to living with Florida Wetlands.” Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/docs/erp/fsewet.pdf on 1/4/2014. 5. U.S. Departemnt of Interiors.” Florida Everglades”. Retrieved from http://www.doi.gov/pmb/oepc/wetlands2/v2ch7.cfm#foot6 on 1-4-2014. 6. Dorminay,B. As Sea Level Rises, Everglades Become More Vital to South Florida’s Survival. October 11, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.climatecentral.org/news/as-sea-level-rises-everglades-become-more-vital-to-south-floridas-survival/ on 1/4/2014. Read More