InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Section 1: Introduction to the Coastal Zone: Society, Landforms, and Processes > Module 3: Coastal Systems: Landscapes and Processes > Coastal Wetlands and Maritime Forests
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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These student materials complement the Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society Instructor Materials. If you would like your students to have access to the student materials, we suggest you either point them at the Student Version which omits the framing pages with information designed for faculty (and this box). Or you can download these pages in several formats that you can include in your course website or local Learning Managment System. Learn more about using, modifying, and sharing InTeGrate teaching materials.
Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

Coastal Wetlands and Maritime Forests

What is a coastal marsh? What are mangroves and what role do they play in capturing sediment and anchoring substrate? How can the presence of extensive marsh platforms and mangrove forests help to reduce inland storm surges and flooding?


Coastal wetlands and maritime forests are unique communities of vegetation that can exist along coastal zones. They are directly affected by coastal conditions including changes in water level due to tides, coastal river influx, fresh water, salt water, wave activity, wind, and salt spray, and storm surges. Inasmuch as they are communities uniquely synced to the conditions of their environment, even subtle changes in one condition can cause widespread deleterious changes to the plants themselves.


These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »