Sea Level Rise and the Dynamics of the Marsh-Upland Boundary

Frontiers in Environmental Science

Kimberlyn Williams¹  Arnold Fernandes²  William S. Kearney²  Sergio Fagherazzi²  Rusty A. Feagin³  Emily V. Long⁴  Linda K. Blum⁴  Shimon C. Anisfeld⁵ 

[1] Biology Department, California State University San Bernardino, Boston, MA, United States;Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States;Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX, United States;Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States;School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States;

关键词: marsh upland boundary;    sea level rise;    effect of storms on forests;    salt marsh;    soil salinity;    marsh transgression;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fenvs.2019.00025

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

During sea level rise, salt marshes transgress inland invading low-lying forests, agricultural fields, and suburban areas. This transgression is a complex process regulated by infrequent storms that flood upland ecosystems increasing soil salinity. As a result upland vegetation is replaced by halophyte marsh plants. Here we present a review of the main processes and feedbacks regulating the transition from upland ecosystems to salt marshes. The goal is to provide a process-based framework that enables the development of quantitative models for the dynamics of the marsh-upland boundary. Particular emphasis is given to the concept of ecological ratchet, combining the press disturbance of sea level rise with the pulse disturbance of storms.

【 授权许可】

Unknown