The tidal marsh is a stable environment. Unlike beach sands that are washed away by storms, the sediments in a coastal marsh are held in place by the roots of salt marsh plants. The thick tidal marsh also slows storm surge flooding, providing protection to inland communities. Both trees and grasses help to hold the shoreline in place. Below at left, a red cedar and a sabal palm resist erosion of the coast at Shell Point, Florida.
Tidal wetlands provide storm protection.