The Role of Wetlands in Flood Mitigation and Groundwater Recharge
Wetlands, defined as areas saturated with water either permanently or seasonally, include a variety of ecosystems such as marshes, swamps, bogs, and floodplains. Their hydrological significance is profound, especially in terms of flood regulation and groundwater replenishment. As natural sponges, wetlands absorb and store large quantities of surface water during periods of high rainfall, releasing it slowly over time. Flood Mitigation Flooding is a natural process that can have devastating impacts on human communities, particularly when exacerbated by deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. Wetlands contribute to flood mitigation through several mechanisms: 1. Water Storage and Delay of Peak Flows: Wetlands can store excess water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the volume and velocity of runoff that reaches rivers and streams. This storage capacity delays the peak of floodwaters, spreading it over a longer period and lowering flood peaks. The slow release of stored