Geography- coastal ecosystems: salt marshes

salt marshes

what is a salt marsh?

A salt marsh is a coastal wetland that is flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. Salt marshes are characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant plants, often grasses, and are important for protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for various wildlife.

When do they develop?

Salt marshes typically develop in intertidal areas where saltwater mixes with freshwater, often following disturbances that expose soil to tidal inundation. They can form following events such as sea-level rise, changes in sediment supply, or altered hydrology.

• when mud or silt are deposited fast that transported. Building up over time and causing a salt marshes to form.

why are they important?

• they stop erosion as they force waves to lose there wave energy

• They drain water, so they prevent flooding

what are the layers of the salt marshes?

• tidal inlet/mud flat

• Low marsh

• High marsh

• Marsh uplands

These become progressively less salty which allow more species of plants to grow.

What types of plant grow in salt marshes?

• Eelgrass

• Cordgrass

• Sea lavenders

• Sea asters

These have adapted to live in high salt concentrate environments.

They develop:

• in sheltered area where deposition occurs

• Where salt and fresh water meets

• Where there are no strong currents or tides to prevent deposition or accumulation.

Threats:

• climate change, rising sea levels, this is because deposition will not happen effectively causing the salt marshes to not form.

• Insufficient sediment

• Development, many salt marshes where being removed for developments

How is the UK managing the salt marshes?

they are re-creating them around the coasts of the UK to ty and prevent flooding and stabilise the coast from erosion.

Where are salt marshes found?

• UK

• Salt marshes are typically found along coastlines, particularly in temperate regions, estuaries, and areas that experience tidal fluctuations. They are commonly located in places like the southeastern coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, parts of Europe, and coastal areas of Asia.