Marsh Terracing: A nature-based solution for coastal erosion
Last modified: November 24, 2025

Can Marsh “Terracing” Buy Time for Coastal Ecosystems?
ICAR researchers Nick Carpenter, Laura Costadone, and Tom Allen have published groundbreaking research exploring an innovative nature-based solution for protecting vulnerable coastal marshes in the face of rising seas.
Their study uses cutting-edge geospatial modeling to evaluate how marsh terracing could extend the lifespan of critical wetland habitats in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach.
A marsh terrace is an artificially created ridge or embankment that is built in a wetland to prevent erosion, reduce wave energy, and improve habitat for wildlife.
Last modified: November 24, 2025
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Carol Considine
cconsidi@odu.edu
VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE
Megan La Peyre
research@vims.edu
VIRGINIA COASTAL RESILIENCE COLLABORATIVE
Thomas Ruppert
tkruppert@wm.edu