Tidal Marsh (IMAGE) Smithsonian Caption Tidal marshes like this one in Maryland are critical buffers against storm surges, hurricanes and other extreme weather. Scientists think that growing shorter, denser clusters of stems could help marshes be even better shields, and enable them to build soil more quickly to help them stay above water as sea levels rise. Credit Gary Peresta/Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Usage Restrictions This photo can be used for media reporting and other educational, non-commercial purposes, provided credit is given as provided in the photo, in accordance with the Smithsonian Terms of Use (https://www.si.edu/termsofuse). License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.