Salt marshes assist in protecting the coastline from the impact of waves just like coral reefs do, and they can also grow upward when there is adequate sediment present with the rise of seas.
How Do They Help?
A meta-analysis shows that plant life in the salt marshes plays a role in reducing wave height and stabilizing the coast. The denser and larger marshes offer better protection against the sea. Research shows that the surge can decrease between 1.7 and 25 centimeters for every kilometer.
Are They able to Keep up?
Established marshes can keep up with sea level rise if the process of delivery of sediment by people is not too much disturbed. They can also serve as a carbon storage. The process of accretion can outpace the rise of sea level in the zones of pioneer plants.
What Should We Do with Them?
Researchers call upon policymakers to use the natural systems for maximum effect and minimize the processes that hurt those systems. The hybrid protection where marshes exist along with dikes may be a better solution for people in the situation.
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