Everglades National Park Geography Quiz
Wetlands, sheet flow, coastal ecology (10 questions).
Everglades National Park Geography Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Everglades National Park in Florida is a unique and critical ecosystem, renowned globally for its vast wetlands, distinctive “sheet flow” hydrology, and vital coastal ecology. Often called the “River of Grass,” the park’s geography is defined by its slow-moving waters and diverse habitats, supporting an incredible array of plant and animal life. Understanding its geographical features is key to appreciating its ecological significance.
Key Geographical Aspects:
Key Takeaways:
- The Everglades is essentially a slow-moving, shallow river that spreads across a vast, flat landscape, hence its nickname “River of Grass.”
- Sheet flow is the characteristic hydrological process, crucial for distributing water and nutrients throughout the ecosystem.
- Freshwater wetlands, including sawgrass prairies and cypress domes, form the core of the Everglades.
- Mangrove forests thrive in the coastal transition zones, providing critical habitat and protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.
- Lake Okeechobee is the historical primary source of freshwater for the Everglades, regulated by a complex system of canals and levees.
- Changes in water management and climate change (e.g., sea-level rise, increased salinity) pose significant threats to the park’s delicate balance.
- The Everglades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance due to its unique ecological value.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the “River of Grass” in the Everglades?
It’s a poetic and accurate description of the Everglades’ unique hydrological system, where water from Lake Okeechobee flows slowly and widely as a shallow sheet of water, rather than in distinct river channels, through vast sawgrass prairies down to Florida Bay.
How does “sheet flow” impact the Everglades ecosystem?
Sheet flow is fundamental to the Everglades’ health. It dictates the distribution of water and nutrients, influences the growth of diverse plant communities (like sawgrass and cypress), and creates the mosaic of habitats that support its rich wildlife. Disruptions to sheet flow can lead to habitat degradation and increased vulnerability to fire.
What role do mangrove forests play in the Everglades’ coastal ecology?
Mangrove forests are vital for the coastal ecology. Their dense root systems stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion, and buffer inland areas from storm surges and hurricanes. They also provide crucial nursery grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other marine species, and act as a transition zone between freshwater and saltwater environments.
What are the primary types of wetlands found in Everglades National Park?
The primary wetland types include sawgrass prairies (the most extensive), freshwater sloughs (deeper, slower-moving channels), cypress swamps (domes and strands), and mangrove forests in the brackish and saltwater coastal regions.
How does human activity threaten the natural geography of the Everglades?
Human activities, primarily agricultural development, urban expansion, and flood control projects, have significantly altered the natural sheet flow. This diversion of water, along with pollution (e.g., nutrient runoff) and the introduction of invasive species, has led to habitat loss, increased salinity in freshwater areas, and a decline in native wildlife populations.
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