Sea-level rise projections for and observational data of tidal marshes along the California coast
Dates
Publication Date
2015-01-01
Citation
Thorne, Karen M., 2015. Sea-level rise projections for and observational data of tidal marshes along the California coast. http://doi.org/10.5066/F7RX99V3.
Summary
The overarching goal of this research was to use site-specific data to develop local and regionally-applicable climate change models that inform management of tidal wetlands along the Pacific Northwest coast. The overarching questions were: (1) how do tidal marsh site characteristics vary across estuaries, and (2) does tidal marsh susceptibility to sea-level rise (SLR) vary along a latitudinal gradient and between estuaries? These questions are addressed in this data collection with three specific objectives: (1) measure topographical and ecological characteristics (e.g., elevation, tidal range, vegetation composition) for tidal marsh and intertidal mudflats, (2) model SLR vulnerability of these habitats, and (3) examine spatial variability [...]
Summary
The overarching goal of this research was to use site-specific data to develop local and regionally-applicable climate change models that inform management of tidal wetlands along the Pacific Northwest coast. The overarching questions were: (1) how do tidal marsh site characteristics vary across estuaries, and (2) does tidal marsh susceptibility to sea-level rise (SLR) vary along a latitudinal gradient and between estuaries? These questions are addressed in this data collection with three specific objectives: (1) measure topographical and ecological characteristics (e.g., elevation, tidal range, vegetation composition) for tidal marsh and intertidal mudflats, (2) model SLR vulnerability of these habitats, and (3) examine spatial variability of these projected changes along the latitudinal gradient of the California coast.
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Purpose
Climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise, are altering the productivity and diversity of ecosystems along the California coast, but little is known about the exact ways in which these ecosystems are being affected or how they will be changed in the future. The goal of this project is to provide scientific information to support future planning and conservation of coastal natural resources as the climate changes. The study will examine current weather patterns, elevations, tides, and sediment of connected coastal habitats to determine how they affect plants and animals, as well as to project how climate change may alter that balance. Understanding the physical processes and complex relationships within these nearshore habitats can be used to develop comprehensive vulnerability assessments for wildlife and ecosystems along the California coast.
