Rising tides, rising gates: The complex ecogeomorphic response of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise and human interventions. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandi, Steven G.; Rodríguez, José F.; Saintilan, Neil; Riccardi, Gerardo; Saco, Patricia M.
• Is Part Of: Advances in water resources. Volume 114(2018)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Sea-level rise -- Coastal wetlands -- Ecogeomorphic modelling -- Mangrove -- Saltmarsh; Hydrology -- Periodicals; Hydrodynamics -- Periodicals; Hydraulic engineering -- Periodicals; 551.48
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2018.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1708

Abstract

Highlights: Mixed mangrove-saltmarsh wetlands are particularly vulnerable to Sea Level Rise (SLR). Tidal attenuation due to man-made structures limits wetland adaptation capacity to SLR. Dynamic inlet control enhances SLR resilience by preventing mangrove encroachment. Abstract: Coastal wetlands are vulnerable to submergence due to sea-level rise, as shown by predictions of up to 80% of global wetland loss by the end of the century. Coastal wetlands with mixed mangrove-saltmarsh vegetation are particularly vulnerable because sea-level rise can promote mangrove encroachment on saltmarsh, reducing overall wetland biodiversity. Here we use an ecogeomorphic framework that incorporates hydrodynamic effects, mangrove-saltmarsh dynamics, and soil accretion processes to assess the effects of control structures on wetland evolution. Migration and accretion patterns of mangrove and saltmarsh are heavily dependent on topography and control structures. We find that current management practices that incorporate a fixed gate for the control of mangrove encroachment are useful initially, but soon become ineffective due to sea-level rise. Raising the gate, to counteract the effects of sea level rise and promote suitable hydrodynamic conditions, excludes mangrove and maintains saltmarsh over the entire simulation period of 100 years