Source : SKMe: Norwegian Mapping Authority - Environmental Unit.
Marshlands and other wetlands
In Norway, as much as 80 % of the original marshes are still comparatively undisturbed. However, other important wetland areas, such as river deltas (see above) are seriously influenced by human activities.
Marshlands have many of the same qualities as river deltas. Marshlands have been particularly vulnerable to drainage and ditching in connection with forestry and agriculture. Wetlands and marshes are considered as important buffers against river
flooding. Clear-cutting of forested areas, including forest close to rivers, cultivation all the way down to the river bed combined with ditching and drainage, may at least partly explain the serious river floodings that we have experienced during the recent years.
