Donald Trump’s use of the expression “drain the swamp” was ironic all things considered. It’s a metaphor for exposing and getting rid of corruption. Trump’s use of the saying as a rallying cry has prompted many people to again look at swamps in a negative light. That’s unfortunate as swamps provide the world with many benefits.
What are Swamps?
In simple terms, a swamp is a forested wetland. A wetland is like a shallow lake. The water level is low enough to allow trees and various plants to grow in it. Many swamp names come from the particular trees that grow in them. For instance, there are hardwood swamps and cypress swamps.
There are three types of swamps. You have the freshwater and seawater swamps. Some swamps are a mix of both. Freshwater swamps are often created around lakes. Seasonal flooding caused by rain causes the water levels to change. It’s a place teeming with life. It’s where alligators live. It’s also the home of beavers, crayfish, and birds.
Meanwhile, saltwater swamps are often found on tropical coastlines. These areas start as tracts of sand and mud covered by seawater during high tides. Plants like mangrove trees often grow in these muddy areas. Their roots help anchor the sand and help accumulate sediments.
Why Do People Look Down on Swamps?
People often look at swamps in a negative light. It doesn’t help that movies often portray these places as dark and scary. This can be a reflection of history. Swamps were the breeding ground of disease-carrying mosquitoes. The shallow water also meant people couldn’t cultivate it for agriculture. Draining the swamp, as it were, was backbreaking work. It took years of hard work to reclaim swamp lands and make them productive.
Why are Swamps Important?
Swamps are still seen as wastelands. Most believe these areas have little use to the environment or even the area’s economy. That is so far from the truth. Swamps are beneficial in many ways.
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Protect Land from Excessive Floods
Swamps protect dry lands from flooding. It does this by keeping back excessive rainwater. A large volume of rain or floodwater passes through swamps before they reach dry land. The trees can hold back some of the hold water. This slows down the amount of water that enters the stream. This can help save lives and prevent the destruction of property. An EPA report noted that flood damages cost the US $2 billion every year. Wetlands can help save a million dollars by reducing damages.
Coastal swamps do the same thing. They protect settlements on the coast from cyclones and storm surges. The trees become barriers against strong winds and waves. The tree roots also prevent the sand and soil along the coasts from becoming washed away.
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Good Source of Materials
A swamp is also a great source of material. It produces various products that you can harvest. Swamps close to lakes and oceans have diverse aquatic life. These are often gathered and sold. Many plants growing in these areas have medicinal qualities. For instance, some trees have antioxidant or antibacterial properties. Products like salt, tannins, and dyes are also harvested from swamplands.
Swamplands also help the economy. For example, Louisiana’s shellfish harvest depends on its coastal wetlands. Swamps are also where alligators live. It’s also the ideal habitat for beavers, minks, and muskrats. These animals are also hunted for their fur and skin.
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Key Source of Fuel
Swamplands are critical sources of fossil fuel. Coal is often found in ancient swamps. It’s because coal comes from plant matter that decayed millions of years ago. Plants that died in swamps settle down at the bottom. The accumulated vegetative waste presses down on the layers of materials. The layers fossilize and form coal. Tons of coal deposits are being mined today. The extracted coal is often used to power many industries and technological advancements.
Plan a Thrilling Adventure
Are you up for an adventure? Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures can give you an exciting and memorable adventure. Our one-hour tour will give you that and more. We’re one of the best airboat tour companies in Florida. You can see more of the beauty of the Sunshine State through our boat rides. We’ll show you the alligators habitat. You can also see rare flora and fauna. Your safety is always guaranteed with Captain Ron in control. He’s a USCG-certified airboat operator. He’s also the best tour guide around. You can call us at 352-643-0708 to book a tour. You can also message us here.
