Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: More than 90% of the world’s salt marshes may be lost to sea level rise by the end of the century, according to a study by scientists from the Marine Biological Laboratory.
| Feature | Description |
| Definition | Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. |
| Location | They are found in intertidal zones along coastlines, usually in protected areas such as estuaries or bays. |
| Vegetation | They are dominated by grasses and other salt-tolerant plants such as sedges, cordgrass, rushes, and mangroves. |
| Soil | They have nutrient-rich soils that are often anoxic (depleted of oxygen) due to high levels of organic matter. |
| Ecological function | They are important habitats for many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, and provide valuable ecosystem services such as erosion control and water filtration. |
| Threats | They are threatened by sea level rise, coastal development, pollution, and climate change. |
| ‘Coastal squeeze’ | The movement of salt marshes is obstructed by sea level rise, anthropogenic activities and geographical factors.
E.g., a seawall that protects a home from inundation will prevent a wetland from naturally migrating to higher ground. |
