Pond Dynamics Yield Minimal Net Loss of Vegetation Cover Across an Unditched Salt Marsh Landscape
نویسندگان
چکیده
Ponds in salt marshes are often misinterpreted as a symptom of degradation, yet ponds can also be part cyclical process pond formation, expansion, breaching by tidal creeks, and vegetation recovery. Pond dynamics may altered accelerated sea level rise, with consequences for the long-term stability ecosystems. This study tests prediction that dynamic equilibrium across one largest expanses unditched marsh Northeast USA (1) examining change area between 1970 present both ditched regions (2) tracking individual an 87-year time series. Across all marshes, vegetated declined 6.3%, losses primarily due to edge erosion. Ditched had significantly less than marsh. In we found net has remained unchanged since because amount conversion is equivalent recovery The overall extent connected creeks increasing relative isolated retain water at low tide, which suggests some rates decoupling. correspond decline rate but other factors such increase lag contribute this pattern. A nuanced understanding needs incorporated into condition assessments establishment restoration priorities so not interpreted evidence degradation when they exhibiting cycle. Unditched around world rare resource remains essential advancing scientific serving reference sites past management.
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ژورنال
عنوان ژورنال: Estuaries and Coasts
سال: 2021
ISSN: ['1559-2723', '1559-2731']
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-020-00882-2