SALT MARSH Meaning and
Definition
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A salt marsh refers to a coastal ecosystem characterized by the presence of plants that can tolerate high salt concentrations, found in areas with a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. It is a wetland area that is preferably situated in the intertidal zone, where the ocean's tides reach and recede periodically. Salt marshes are formed by the deposition of sediments, mainly mud and silt, which are carried by rivers or ocean currents and then settle in shallow areas with slow water movement.
They are typically located in sheltered areas, such as estuaries, lagoons, or bays, where there is minimal wave action. The plants that inhabit salt marshes, known as halophytes, have adapted to the high salt content in the soil and water by developing specialized salt glands or mechanisms to excrete excess salt from their tissues. Common halophytic species found in salt marshes include cordgrass, saltwort, and glasswort.
These marshes provide crucial habitats for a diverse range of organisms, serving as nurseries and feeding grounds for many species of fish, crustaceans, birds, and insects. They also act as a buffer, absorbing wave energy and protecting the coastline against erosion. Moreover, salt marshes help improve water quality by filtering pollutants, trapping sediments, and promoting the breakdown of organic materials.
Due to their ecological importance, salt marshes are considered significant ecosystems in terms of biodiversity and provide several ecosystem services. However, they are highly vulnerable to development, sea-level rise, and other human-induced activities. Consequently, conservation efforts and sustainable management are crucial for the preservation of these unique and valuable habitats.
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Grass-land subject to be overflowed by sea-water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SALT MARSH
- aalt marsh
- zalt marsh
- xalt marsh
- dalt marsh
- ealt marsh
- walt marsh
- szlt marsh
- sslt marsh
- swlt marsh
- sqlt marsh
- sakt marsh
- sapt marsh
- saot marsh
- salr marsh
- salf marsh
- salg marsh
- saly marsh
- sal6 marsh
- sal5 marsh
- salt narsh
Etymology of SALT MARSH
The word "salt marsh" can be broken down into two components: "salt" and "marsh".
The term "salt" comes from the Old English word "sealt" and from the Proto-Germanic word "saltaz", both of which referred to the substance we know today as salt. It can be traced back further to the Latin word "sal", meaning salt.
The word "marsh" comes from the Old English word "mersc" and from the Proto-Germanic word "merska", both of which meant swamp or boggy ground. It can be traced back further to the Old High German word "mersc" and the Old Norse word "mǫrk", which also meant marsh or meadow.
Similar spelling words for SALT MARSH
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