The Everglades is an ecosystem unlike any other in the world. Similar ecosystems, such as the Amazon and Nile Basins, and the Missippi River Delta all differ from one another in many ways. One unifying factor, however, is the presence of significant freshwater rainfall near an ocean or other saltwater body. This mixture creates brackish water, which plays host to the wide variety of flora and fauna found in the Florida Everglades. Indeed, the grasses and other semi-aquatic plantlife found in the Everglades serve as a breeding ground and nursery for fish, birds, gators, deer, bears, hogs, snakes and more. The area is lush and green almost year-round due to the flow of fresh water created by the rains of 80" to 120" annually. These seasonal (mostly summer) rains create a sheeting action that flows less than 1 MPH both above and below the ground in Southern Florida.