Publication
Sea Level Rise and the Dynamics of the Marsh-Upland Boundary
Shimon Anisfeld and 7 other contributors
On This Page
FEB 27
Citation
Fagherazzi, S. ., Anisfeld, S. ., Blum, L. ., Long, E. ., Feagin, R. ., Fernandes, A. ., … Williams, K. . (2019). Sea Level Rise and the Dynamics of the Marsh-Upland Boundary. FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2019.00025 (Original work published)
Abstract
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.