Salt Marshes exist in locations that a protected by wave action, typically on the outer edges of lagoons and estuaries.  Salt marshes are typically in a location in which they will not be affected by neap tides (when moon and the sun are at right angles to the earth), and spring tides (when the moon and the sun are aligned) reach the height of the salt marsh.  Slat Marshes are formed by trapping sediment, it is a high sediment deposit area because there is little wave and tidal action that will affect the area.  Once sediment begins to be deposited Marsh Grasses begin to form, adding to the marshes ability to trap sediment.  There are three types of grass that form in salt marshes needle rush, cord grass, and rush.  As the grasses grow and continue to cover more land the structural stability of the salt marsh continues to improve.  The main way that salt marshes protect the organisms that live inside of its boundaries, is by providing a habitat that is secure form most outside forces such as daily tides and wave action.
 

Map of Boat Meadow Click Here 

Marsh Opening Click Here

Marsh Walls Full of Mussels Click Here 

Sediment Deposit Click Here 

Houses that Surround the Bay Click Here 

Cord Grass Click Here

Needle Rush Click Here 

Possible Victims of Pollution Click Here