Sunrise over the Hammock and Salt Marsh
South Carolina, USA
The salt marsh-tidal creek ecosystem is a highly productive coastal wetland. As an intertidal habitat, the surface of the salt marsh is under water at high tide and dry at low tide. The are generally found along the flanks and behind barrier islands. Closer to the ocean these salt marshes and tidal creeks are saltier, but the salinity varies greatly depending on tidal stage, amount of rainfall, and the size and flow of the river system that drains into it.
Marsh hammocks are islands in the middle of the salt marsh. They vary greatly in size and play an important role in the nesting and feeding of wildlife, and provide refuges during high tides. Plant life on a marsh hammock can be diverse. A small hammock may support only a few small live oaks, while larger hammocks support maritime forest communities with live oak, wax myrtle, saw palmetto, yaupon holly and many other plant species.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
Photo Prints
Metal Prints
Canvas Prints
Acrylic Prints