Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are low coastal grasslands that are covered at least once a month by the rising tide, and are found on the edges of estuaries. A salt marsh forms when incoming tides carry and deposit sediment across low-lying land, resulting in wet mudflats. Saltwater grasses then slowly take hold and spread, stabilizing the land through the growth of root systems. As the plants decay and sediment builds up, peat deposits accumulate, forming a rich habitat that supports the growth of hundreds of diverse organisms. A salt marsh is divided into four zones. Low marsh, high marsh, salt pan and the hammock. The Lower Marsh is often submerged under saltwater, and supports the growth of organisms adapted to high salinity and lots of moisture. Here larger animals live in the safety of the tall grasses called cordgrass. The High Marsh is a drier area, where plants tolerate lower salt concentrations. The high marsh changes with the tides. When the tide is high the water covers most of the land. When the tide is low animals hide in the protection of the grasses and some dig
Some topics in this essay:
Lower Marsh, , salt marshes, salt marsh, black bird, salt pans, red-winged black bird, red-winged black, protection marsh, excess salt, supports growth, salt water, low marsh,
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Approximate Word count = 726
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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