Fen: meaning, definitions and examples

A fen is a low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land, often characterized by the presence of alkaline water or minerals. It usually supports specific types of vegetation like sedges and reeds.

• The wildlife reserve includes a large fen that is home to various bird species

A marsh is a wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species. It usually has a mix of salt and freshwater and is often found along riverbanks, lakes, and coasts.

• Ducks and other waterfowl are abundant in the marsh near the estuary

A swamp is a wetland that is forested and often has standing water. It is typically more wooded and can have both saltwater and freshwater varieties.

• The swamp is dense with trees and home to alligators and a variety of birds

A bog is a type of wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material, with acidic waters and a low level of nutrients. Bogs are often covered with sphagnum moss.

• The hiking trail winds through a scenic bog, where you can see unique plant species

In British English, 'fen' can also refer to a low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land.

• The village was surrounded by vast fens, making agriculture a challenge.
• Navigating the fens required local knowledge of the unpredictable water levels.

Wetland deposit is a general term for any materials such as soil, minerals, or organic matter that accumulate in wetlands. This term is commonly used in environmental science and geology.

• The thick wetland deposit revealed changes in the area's water levels over centuries.
• Conservationists are concerned about the impact of pollution on the wetland deposits.

Marshland sediment refers to the particles and organic materials that accumulate over time in marshlands. This term is often used in geology, environmental science, and archaeology to describe layers of soil and other substances found in those areas.

• The archaeologists uncovered ancient artifacts buried in the marshland sediment.
• Studying the marshland sediment can provide insights into past climate conditions.

Use 'fen' when referring to a specific type of wetland that is alkaline, with a distinct ecological system usually containing grasses, sedges, and waterlogged areas.

• The scientists conducted a study on the unique plant species found in the fen.
• We walked through the fen, observing the diverse wildlife that thrives in this wetland habitat.

Use 'wetland monster' in a context where imagination, folklore, or fiction is discussed; typically refers to a mythical or legendary beast said to inhabit wetlands. It often has a negative connotation and may be used to invoke fear or wonder.

• Local legends speak of a wetland monster that emerges during full moon nights.
• The story of the wetland monster frightened the children, making them hesitant to explore the marsh after dark.