What is a marsh?
Q: What is a marsh?
A: A marsh is a type of wetland that usually has grasses, rushes, reeds, typhas, and sedges growing in shallow water.
Q: How is a marsh different from a swamp?
A: A marsh has a lower proportion of open water surface and is generally shallower than a swamp. Also, a marsh is dominated by grasses and low herbs, whereas a swamp is dominated by trees.
Q: What type of plants can be found in a marsh?
A: In addition to grasses, rushes, reeds, typhas, and sedges, a marsh may also have low-growing woody plants.
Q: What is the water like in a marsh?
A: The water in a marsh can be fresh, brackish, or saline.
Q: Where are coastal marshes often found?
A: Coastal marshes may be associated with estuaries and can be located along waterways between coastal barrier islands and the inner coast.
Q: What type of soils are estuarine marshes usually based on?
A: Estuarine marshes are often based on soils consisting of sandy bottoms or bay muds.
Q: Why are marshes critically important?
A: Marshes are critically important wildlife habitat, often serving as breeding grounds for a wide variety of animal life.
