What do wetlands help buffer against?

Wetlands play a crucial role in natural flood management. They act like sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and runoff, which helps to reduce the speed and volume of water entering rivers and streams during heavy precipitation events. By slowing down and storing water, wetlands can mitigate the potential for flooding and help maintain water levels in surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, when wetlands are present, they can filter pollutants and sediments from water before it reaches larger bodies of water, further enhancing their protective capabilities against flooding. The ecosystem services provided by wetlands are vital for maintaining a balance within the hydrological cycle, offering protection not only to human communities but also to the biodiversity within those areas. Thus, wetlands are instrumental in buffering against flooding events.