Marshland

Marshland, commonly known as a marsh, is a type of wetland characterized by saturated soils and steady or periodic flooding. Unlike swamps, marshes are dominated by herbaceous vegetation such as grasses, sedges, reeds, and rushes, with few or no trees. Marshes occur in freshwater, brackish, and occasionally saline settings and form in relief depressions along rivers, lakes, or coastlines, as well as behind levees or in tidal flats.

Soils in marshes are typically hydric, rich in organic matter, and can be peaty or clay-rich. The water regime—from seasonal flooding to constant inundation—shapes plant communities adapted to low oxygen and high moisture. Typical marsh plants include cattails and bulrushes, though species vary by climate and salinity.

Marshes support diverse wildlife, providing breeding and foraging habitat for birds, amphibians, insects, and fish. They contribute to water purification by trapping sediments and absorbing nutrients, buffer against floods by absorbing runoff, and sequester carbon in their soils.

Human activities such as drainage, reclamation, and urban development have reduced many marshes. Conservation and restoration efforts aim to reestablish natural hydrology, reintroduce native vegetation, and protect existing habitats. Marshlands are classified into freshwater marshes, brackish marshes, and tidal marshes, with differences in salinity, hydrology, and plant communities. They play a key role in landscape ecology and ecosystem services.