Salt marshes protect coastal areas from erosion ... Co-author of the report, Professor Ian Shennan from the department of geography at Durham University, said: "Sea level rise is inevitable ...

Salt marshes may be formed behind a spit. The zone behind a spit becomes a sheltered area. Water movement slows down and so more material is deposited. Deposition may form a salt marsh.

Creates a salt marsh which can provide habitats for wildlife and a natural defence against erosion and flooding. Salt marshes are diverse ecosystems supporting many species.