Swamps are fascinating places. Swamps are areas that have water. Sometimes the water covers the whole area. Sometimes the water covers a part of the area. Swamps are also full of trees. Some swamps are made of freshwater. Some swamps are made of saltwater. You can find them all over the world, except Antarctica.
Swamps are an important ecosystem. They act like giant sponges. When there are floods, the swamps soak up the water. Swamps can also filter water. Farms and factories often use chemicals. These chemicals then flow into the nearby water. When they reach swamps, the swamp plants use them. Swamps filter and purify the water. That is amazing.
Most freshwater swamps are inland. They are near lakes or streams. Rain or floods make the ground wet. The swamp begins to form. Alligators, frogs and other animals live in these swamps. Many trees grow here, too. Some plants grow on the surface of the swamp. This is duckweed. It grows on the surface of the water.
Most saltwater swamps are in coastal areas. They are mostly in warm places. They are often humid. This means it is wet and hot in these swamps. These swamps form in muddy or sandy areas. When the tide is high these areas get some saltwater. Soon plants begin to grow and the swamp forms.
Mangroves are a type of tree that love swamps. Mangroves have long, thin roots that reach into the water. Many animals live in the roots of the mangroves. They like to hide in the shadows.
These are manatees. We sometimes call them sea cows. They live in saltwater wetlands. They are friendly marine animals. They love to swim and relax in the water. I think they are adorable.
Swamps are important places. Before, we damaged them a lot. We protect swamps now. We love swamps now. We take care of swamps now.
Would you like to visit a swamp? You can ride on an airboat to explore a swamp. What a cool ride!