Characteristic Mid-Atlantic Wetland Type - Tidal Wetlands
Tidal wetlands occur at the land-ocean margin and their hydrology is driven by tides. They can be divided into three segments:
The dominant vegetation types in Atlantic coastal wetlands are grasses, such as cordgrass, and wildlife include minnows, mussels, crabs, and snails. Tidal wetlands vary in the salinity gradient they typically experience. Upstream freshwater flows may make a tidal wetland more fresh, whereas limited freshwater flows and greater tidal energy may make them more saline. Characteristic plants and animals vary with the salinity. Salty marshes support particular plant and animal communities adapted to high salinity, whereas brackish (a mix of salt and freshwater) and freshwater marshes typically support a wider range of species.
Characteristic Wetland Types for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Notable Wetland Sites in the Mid-Atlantic Region