Interplay of Hydroperiod on Root Shear Strength for Coastal Wetlands

The evolution of coastal wetlands is a complex process which is difficult to forecast, made more complicated by the addition of changing climatic conditions. Here, long term ecological and geomorphological data are coupled to geotechnical measurements at a coastal wetland in North Inlet estuary, Sou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2024-06, Vol.51 (11), p.n/a
Main Authors: Jafari, N. H., Harris, B. D., Morris, J. T., Cadigan, J. A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic plants
Climate change
Climate effects
Climatic conditions
Coastal evolution
Coastal management
Coastal plains
Coastal protection
Cone penetration tests
Estuaries
Estuarine dynamics
Evolution
Geomorphology
Mud flats
Resilience
Shear strength
Vegetation
wetland evolution
wetland shear strength
Wetlands
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Summary:The evolution of coastal wetlands is a complex process which is difficult to forecast, made more complicated by the addition of changing climatic conditions. Here, long term ecological and geomorphological data are coupled to geotechnical measurements at a coastal wetland in North Inlet estuary, South Carolina. The coupled methodology is presented and discussed in context of understanding coastal wetland system evolution in a changing climate. Specifically, the root shear strength of Spartina alterniflora across a range of elevations was investigated using a cone penetrometer test. Elevation, shear strength, and biomass are shown to be critically interconnected. Root strength was shown to decrease with increased inundation time and decreased elevation (i.e., mudflats). Conversely, the data set illustrates the importance of maintaining key elevation ranges in relation to sea‐level to optimize wetland resilience. Plain Language Summary Coastal wetlands are under increased stress from the effects of climate change. We set out to incorporate measurements from multiple disciplines to better understand how these wetlands evolve under these conditions. The strength (resilience) of the wetlands is directly related to the elevation and vegetation of the wetland. Understanding the relationships we present will assist coastal managers make decisions to better protect coastal wetlands. Key Points Ecological, geomorphological, and geotechnical properties of wetlands are critically interconnected Coupling of interdisciplinary data sets is required for prediction of wetland evolution in a changing climate
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2023GL106531