waterlogging

Waterlogging occurs when soil becomes saturated with water, hindering plant growth and potentially damaging structures. This condition can arise from excessive rainfall, poor drainage, or rising water tables. In an Earth science context, waterlogging is often associated with wetlands, where water saturation is a defining characteristic. However, it can also negatively impact agricultural land and infrastructure. Human activities like draining or filling wetlands, dam construction, and agricultural practices can alter natural water levels and contribute to waterlogging. Climate change, with its potential for altered precipitation patterns and rising sea levels, also poses a significant threat to wetland ecosystems and can exacerbate waterlogging issues.12