Salt marsh
Salt Marsh
A Salt Marsh (pronunciation: /sɔːlt mɑːrʃ/), also known as a coastal salt marsh or simply marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open saltwater or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides.
Etymology
The term "Salt Marsh" is derived from the Middle English "salt mersc", from Old English "sealt mersc" (salt marsh). The word "salt" comes from the Old English "sealt", and "marsh" from the Old English "mersc", meaning marsh or fen.
Definition
A salt marsh is characterized by the growth of halophytic (salt-tolerant) plants. These plants are adapted to the harsh conditions of the marsh, including high salt concentrations, regular inundation by tidal waters, and oxygen-poor mud.
Related Terms
- Halophyte: A plant that grows in waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water through its roots or by salt spray, such as in deserts or coastal salt marshes.
- Brackish Water: Water that has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater. It may result from mixing seawater with fresh water.
- Tidal Flat: A long, flat area that is alternately covered and exposed by the tide, typically composed of mud deposited by tides or rivers.
- Estuary: A partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Salt marsh
- Wikipedia's article - Salt marsh
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