by U. S. Department of the Interior (Author)

Riparian-wetland soils constitute one of the largest freshwater reservoirs on Earth. They are an important component of both standing water systems, such as swamps, marshes, and bogs, and running water systems, such as rivers, streams, and springs. Riparian-wetland areas are the "green zones," or the links, between aquatic environments and upland, terrestrial zones."