What role do wetlands play concerning carbon sequestration?

Wetlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration by storing carbon in both plant biomass and soils. These ecosystems are characterized by saturated soil conditions that limit the decomposition of organic matter, allowing plants that thrive in such environments to grow and accumulate biomass. As these plants photosynthesize, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic material, effectively trapping carbon within their structure.

Additionally, while organic matter in wetland soils builds up over time, it becomes a significant carbon reservoir. The anaerobic conditions prevalent in wetlands lead to slower decomposition rates, which means that much of the carbon produced by decaying plant material is retained in the soil rather than being released back into the atmosphere. Thus, wetlands act as important carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases.

The other options describe inaccurate concepts or exaggerate some aspects of wetland functions. For instance, wetlands do not eliminate all carbon emissions; instead, they manage carbon levels effectively. Flooding can potentially release some carbon, but this process is not their primary function, and wetlands generally act as carbon sinks over the long term. Finally, stating that wetlands have no impact on carbon levels overlooks their significant ecological role in carbon storage and cycling.