Synthesizing Surface Elevation Change Data to Advance Understanding of Sea-level Rise Impacts to Mangrove Forests and Salt Marshes
USGS and NPS partners are working together to analyze and synthesize long-term SET-MH measurements to improve understanding of coastal wetland soil elevation change and ecological responses to sea-level rise.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Coastal wetlands provide many ecological and societal benefits. In addition to providing fish and wildlife habitat, they improve water quality, protect coastal communities from storms, and provide recreational opportunities. However, coastal wetlands are threatened by rising sea levels. Some wetlands can adapt to moderate rates of sea-level rise through feedback mechanisms that lead to soil elevation gains. However, higher rates of sea-level rise can overwhelm these feedbacks and lead to wetland submergence and drowning. To measure soil elevation change in mangrove forests and salt marshes, the National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Network program has established long-term soil surface elevation monitoring programs using soil Surface Elevation Tables (SET) and Marker Horizons (MH), which are collectively referred to as the SET-MH method. The overarching objective of this project is to investigate these SET-MH data to better understand the impacts of sea-level rise on coastal wetlands.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: Long-term SET-MH measurements are being collected in five I&M networks that span the Atlantic Coast of the United States and include NPS-managed wetlands on the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are working with NPS partners to analyze and synthesize these SET-MH data in a manner that advances understanding of coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise.
Future Steps: This project will improve understanding of coastal wetland soil elevation change and ecological responses to sea-level rise.
Mangrove Forest Responses to Sea-Level Rise in the Greater Everglades
USGS and NPS partners are working together to analyze and synthesize long-term SET-MH measurements to improve understanding of coastal wetland soil elevation change and ecological responses to sea-level rise.
The Science Issue and Relevance: Coastal wetlands provide many ecological and societal benefits. In addition to providing fish and wildlife habitat, they improve water quality, protect coastal communities from storms, and provide recreational opportunities. However, coastal wetlands are threatened by rising sea levels. Some wetlands can adapt to moderate rates of sea-level rise through feedback mechanisms that lead to soil elevation gains. However, higher rates of sea-level rise can overwhelm these feedbacks and lead to wetland submergence and drowning. To measure soil elevation change in mangrove forests and salt marshes, the National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Network program has established long-term soil surface elevation monitoring programs using soil Surface Elevation Tables (SET) and Marker Horizons (MH), which are collectively referred to as the SET-MH method. The overarching objective of this project is to investigate these SET-MH data to better understand the impacts of sea-level rise on coastal wetlands.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: Long-term SET-MH measurements are being collected in five I&M networks that span the Atlantic Coast of the United States and include NPS-managed wetlands on the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are working with NPS partners to analyze and synthesize these SET-MH data in a manner that advances understanding of coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise.
Future Steps: This project will improve understanding of coastal wetland soil elevation change and ecological responses to sea-level rise.