Geographically isolated wetlands, such as the prairie potholes of the upper Midwest and the playas of the Southwest, “play an outsized role in providing clean water and other environmental benefits,” says Indiana University in describing a research paper whose lead author is an IU scientist. The paper says the isolated wetlands are highly effective “biogeochemical reactors” that improve water quality. They often hold water longer than streams or wetlands that adjoin waterways. With conversion of the isolated wetlands to other uses, soil erosion into surface waters increases, says an IU release.