Salt marshes Q1 Flashcards
what is saltmarsh sediment accretion?
Salt marsh accretion is defined as growth by deposition of suspended particles during flooding (allochthonous growth) and by accumulation of plant material, both roots and decomposed material from plants growing in the marsh (autochthonous growth) (Schuerch et al., 2012).
why is it important to know about sediment accretion?
to monitor the levels of e.g beaches at the coast. any changes in sedimentation can have an effect on local species and human populations who live near the coast
what is a salt marsh creek?
Creeks and pools on a salt marsh
Creeks intercept and funnel the
incoming tide
Water rises in creek until it spills
over the marsh surface –creating
levees
Creeks migrate laterally across
marsh surface –avulsion of channel
leads to vertical accretion.
what is a salt marsh?
Salt marshes are fields of salt tolerant plants that border the seafront in sheltered bays and estuaries. They are regularly flooded by the high tide and exposed as the tide drops; marshes are often interconnected by creeks and pools.
what is a hydroperiod?
A hydroperiod can be defined as the number of days per year that an area of land is wet or the length of time that there is standing water at a location.
