CWD Wetland Functions & Values

Question 1

Which primary function do wetlands perform by temporarily storing excess stormwater and releasing it slowly downstream?

Accepted Answer

Flood attenuation

Answer

Wetlands act as natural sponges that temporarily store floodwaters and release them slowly, reducing downstream peak flows and flood damage.

Question 2

Which microbial process in wetland soils converts nitrates to nitrogen gas, permanently removing nitrogen from the aquatic system?

Accepted Answer

Denitrification

Answer

Denitrification is the anaerobic microbial process that converts nitrates (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2), which escapes to the atmosphere and removes nitrogen from the system.

Question 3

The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach to wetland functional assessment classifies wetlands primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Geomorphic setting, water source, and hydrodynamics

Answer

The HGM approach classifies wetlands by their geomorphic setting, water source, and hydrodynamics to predict functional capacity relative to reference wetlands of the same class.

Question 4

Carbon sequestration in wetlands is most significant in which type of system due to slow organic matter decomposition under anaerobic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Peatlands such as bogs and fens

Answer

Peatlands accumulate carbon-rich peat over millennia because waterlogged, anaerobic conditions dramatically slow decomposition, making them the largest terrestrial carbon stores per unit area.

Question 5

Coastal wetlands such as salt marshes and mangroves support marine fisheries primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Serving as critical spawning grounds and nursery habitat for juvenile fish

Answer

Salt marshes and mangroves provide structure, cover, and abundant invertebrate prey that make them essential spawning and nursery habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fish species.

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

(CWD) Certified Wetland Delineator Practice Test

CWD Wetland Functions & Values