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  • Understanding Dry Wetlands: Causes & Impacts
    Lack of water supply: If the wetland's water source, such as a river, stream, or groundwater, diminishes or disappears, the wetland may begin to dry out. This can occur due to natural causes, such as droughts, or human activities, such as water diversion for agriculture or development.

    Change in topography: Alterations in the landscape surrounding a wetland can affect its hydrology and water retention capacity. For example, if a road is built through a wetland or if the land is filled for development, the wetland may be deprived of its natural water sources and become drier.

    Increased evapotranspiration: Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation and plant transpiration, which releases water vapor into the atmosphere. If the temperature and humidity in the area around a wetland increase, the rate of evapotranspiration may rise, leading to a decrease in water levels in the wetland.

    Encroachment by vegetation: Overgrowth of certain plant species, particularly invasive species, can alter the wetland's vegetation composition and structure. This can lead to increased water consumption and reduced water retention capacity, resulting in a drier wetland.

    Pollution: The discharge of pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial wastewater, into a wetland can degrade water quality and affect the health of wetland plants and animals. This can disrupt the wetland's ecosystem and its ability to retain water.

    Climate change: Long-term changes in climatic patterns, such as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, can have profound impacts on wetlands. Increased temperatures can accelerate evaporation and reduce water inputs, while changes in precipitation patterns can disrupt the wetland's natural water balance.

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