ABSTRACT
Since our objective is to create or restore wetlands, understanding natural factors that formed existing wetlands is important in evaluating the feasibility of wetland construction in certain regions and comprehending how to design, construct, and manage a wetland system. Doubtless we have the ability to construct some type of wetland almost anywhere, but the continued existence of that system may be tenuous at best; it might require inordinate amounts of time and effort to maintain or it may be impossible to establish the desired type of system. Understanding the natural factors that create and maintain wetland ecosystems enhances our ability to select appropriate wetland types and to duplicate important natural processes.
