How do wetlands form?

Short answer: Wetlands form where water and land meet. These may be glacial potholes, or old lake beds where water is semi-permanent, being wet in the rainy season and dry the rest of the year. They may be at the fringe of permanent bodies of water. read more

Wetlands can also form when a river overflows its banks or when changes in sea level make once dry areas saturated. Additionally, climate can impact wetland formation as high rainfall in normally dry areas with poor drainage causes the ground to become saturated. Once wetlands form, they are constantly changing. read more

Coastal processes such as currents and wave action can form, sustain, modify or eliminate wetlands over time. People create wetlands. Some "incidental" wetlands are formed when highway and dam construction, irrigation projects, or other human activities alter drainage patterns or impound water. read more