The impact of global climate change on wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands exist in a transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial environments which can be altered by subtle changes in hydrology. Wetlands that are most likely to be affected by these and other potential changes (e. g., sea-level rise, increasing temperature, change in precipitation) associated with atmospheric carbon enrichment include permafrost wetlands, coastal and estuarine wetlands, peat lands, alpine wetlands, and prairie pothole wetlands. Potential impacts range from changes in community structure to changes in ecological function, and from extirpation to enhancement. Wetlands (particularly boreal peat-lands) play an important role in the global carbon cycle; generally sequestering carbon in the form of biomass, methane, dissolved organic material and organic sediment. Wetlands that are drained or partially dried can become a net source of methane and carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, serving as a positive biotic feedback to global warming.