Wetlands are the transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. A wetland is an area whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally. These areas may also be covered partially or completely by shallow pools of water and can include swamps, marshes, and bogs, among others. Water occurring in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Jurisdictional wetlands are defined differently, and have legal connotations.