Kirwan & Megonigal (2013) Marsh Dynamics

Question 1

Why are marshes and mangroves so important?

Answer 1

They protect coastal regions from storms,
sequester carbon, transform nutrients and provide the organic matter and nursery grounds that support commercial fisheries.

Question 2

At the most basic level, what must a marsh or mangrove do to survive in place?

Answer 2

Must build soil elevation at a rate faster than or equal to the rate of sea level rise.

Question 3

How do plants influence mineral sediment deposition?

Answer 3

By slowing water velocities, and add organic matter to the soil surface.
Below ground, the balance of plant root growth and decay directly adds organic matter to the soil profile.

Question 4

What does deterioration of tidal wetlands often begin with?

Answer 4

Plant stress, and the disruption of the stabilising feedbacks that plants provide.

Question 5

How do humans indirectly threaten the survival of coastal wetlands?

Answer 5

By altering subsidence rates and restricting sediment delivery.