Galilee Salt Marsh

Physical Characteristics

What is the geological history of a New England salt marsh?

New England salt marshes developed because of retreating glaciers approximately 10,000-12,000 years before present (ybp), and are mostly younger than 6,000 years old. Between 30,000 and 35,000 ybp , sea level was at about the same level as it is today. As water became trapped in growing glaciers (about 30,000 years before present) the sea level fell. Once the glaciers began to retreat and melt, sea level began to rise again.

Some scientists say that the sea level has risen about one inch every 25 years or at the rate of 10-15 cm per century. This slow rise is what provides the conditions for salt marsh grasses to spread over adjoining uplands and towards the sea. If peat formation keeps pace with the increased rise of the sea level, marsh development may continue. However, if predicted sea levels rise for the next century occurs, salt marsh flooding may destroy these fragile ecosystems.

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