Salt marsh

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. They are marshy because the soil may be composed of deep mud and peat. Peat is made of decomposing plant matter that is often several feet thick. Peat is waterlogged, root-filled, and very spongy.

Formation

Salt marshes occur worldwide, particularly in middle to high latitudes. These habitats are frequently and significantly altered by human activities. They are sometimes covered by water, particularly in the United States, where they are often dredged and filled for development. They are susceptible to invasive species, such as the common reed (Phragmites australis).

Flora and fauna

Salt marshes are home to various forms of vegetation and animal life. They are dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants facilitate the accumulation of sediment and other organic material, which slowly builds up the marsh surface relative to the tidal water level.

Ecological importance

Salt marshes are ecologically important providing habitats for many species, acting as nursery grounds for fish and shellfish, and providing many other ecosystem services. They also protect the mainland from coastal storms and sea level rise, and store large amounts of carbon which helps mitigate climate change.

Threats

Salt marshes are under threat from sea-level rise, changes in salinity, and human activities such as land reclamation and coastal development. Conservation efforts are underway in many countries to protect these important ecosystems.

See also

• Coastal management
• Estuary
• Mangrove
• Tidal marsh

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