What role do marshes play in storm protection for coastal areas?

Marshes play a critical role in storm protection for coastal areas by absorbing flood waters. During storm events, such as hurricanes or heavy rainfall, marshes act like natural buffers, reducing the velocity of incoming water and trapping excess water within their vegetation. This absorption helps to mitigate flooding impacts on nearby communities and infrastructure. The complex root systems of marsh plants stabilize the soil, further minimizing erosion and providing a protective barrier against storm surges.

In contrast to the other choices, marshes do not increase wind speed, which could lead to more damage during storms. While attracting wildlife is important for ecological diversity, it does not directly contribute to storm protection. Similarly, although marshes do produce oxygen, this function is not relevant to their role in protecting coastal areas during storm events. Thus, absorption of flood waters is the key aspect of marshes when it comes to storm protection.