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Hurricanes are extremely powerful storms, which upon striking land cause extreme damage to nearly everything in their paths. Although wetlands suffer damage from hurricanes, they also serve as a first line of defense against them.
Function
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), wetlands "diminish a hurricane's destructive power by reducing storm surge and absorbing wave energy." Coastal marshes deprive the storms of moisture that facilitates a storm's growth.
Effects
The effects that powerful storms have upon wetland areas vary. When Hurricane Andrew passed through the Florida Everglades in 1992, it caused severe defoliation and structural damage to trees; yet, its impact upon grassy areas was minimal.
Wildlife
Hurricane Andrew had only a minimal impact upon the Everglades' deer and alligator population. In Louisiana's hardwood wetlands, however, it killed 50 to 75 percent of young squirrels there.
Fish
Water turbulence brought on by a hurricane's powerful winds stirs up bottom sediment that deprives fish of necessary oxygen. Large fish kills are often the result.
Considerations
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina inflicted severe damage to barrier-island marshes and the coastal wetlands of Louisiana and Mississippi. Ironically, previous human activity facilitated the storm's assault upon these ecosystems.
Source:
LaCoast: Wetlands Break Waves, Quell Surge
USGS: Effects of Hurricane Andrew on Wetlands in Southern Florida and Louisiana
USGS: Scientists Monitor Coastal Damage from Hurricane Lili
More Information:
National Geographic: Many Islands Gone, Wetlands Gutted After Katrina, Experts Say
C.C. Lockwood Photographer: Wetland Damage by Hurricane Katrina and Rita
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