Saline Firm Marsh 55-64
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition 1 More details
- Transition 2 More details
- Restoration pathway 1 More details
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- Restoration pathway 2 More details
- Transition 1 More details
- Restoration pathway 1 More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The plant community, which consists primarily of seashore saltgrass along with glassworts and saltworts, seashore dropseed, seashore paspalum, and bushy sea-oxeye is found in the upper reaches of the Saline Mineral Marsh. At MHT it is in the intertidal zone. This plant community has a relatively short period of inundation as it experiences the briefest period of tidal exchange. Micro-relief and depth of water are the determining factors in where these species occur. Seashore saltgrass is usually dominant in areas with lower relief and along the trailing edges of tidal flow. Seashore saltgrass can withstand salinities of 13 ppt with spikes up to 20 ppt.
Glassworts and saltworts are found on areas of higher micro-relief. These areas are the first to be free of water as the tides recede.
As the site begins to dry, salts are wicked to the soil surface. Saltworts can withstand salinities of 15 ppt with spikes up to 30 ppt.
Glassworts can withstand salinities of 24 ppt with spikes up to 34 ppt.
A number of forbs may occur on the edge of the MHT zone in this plant community. Bushy sea-oxeye, which is the dominant forb, can withstand salinities of 12 ppt with spikes up to 20 ppt. Seashore paspalum also is present along the trailing edge of tidal exchange.
Submodel
Description
Marsh plants exist in a delicate balance with water depth and salinity levels. When this balance is altered, the plant community adapts to the new regime. The mixed grass plant community is dominated by Species best suited to Brackish conditions.
Submodel
Description
Marsh plants exist in a delicate balance with water depth and salinity levels. When this balance is altered, the plant community adapts to the new regime. The Vegetated/Open Water community is dominated by Species best suited to conditions where the system is breaking up or where open areas have been planted as part of a restoration effort. This phase requires knowledge of the landscape to determine whether it has been planted or is breaking up.
Submodel
Description
Marsh plants exist in a delicate balance with water depth and salinity levels. When this balance is altered, the plant community adapts to the new regime. The Open Water community is where the system is breaking up or where open water ponds exist within the landscape. This phase requires knowledge of the landscape to determine whether it is breaking up. The open water areas within a planning unit are beneficial for wildlife, but require monitoring to insure that they are not enlarging due to erosion of the shorelines which can be a symptom of a marsh unit that it deteriorating.
Submodel
Mechanism
Salinity levels decrease, species numbers increase (more diversity), Brackish Species increase.
Mechanism
Increased water Depth or Salinity, reduces number of plants in an area. Open water area increases.
Mechanism
Salinity Levels Increase, Fewer species, and More saline specific species.
Mechanism
Increased water Depth or Salinity, reduces number of plants in an area. Open water area increases.
Mechanism
Reduced water Depth or Salinity, plants increase or planted and colonizing site. Open water area decrease.
Mechanism
Reduced water Depth or Salinity, plants increase or planted and colonizing site. Open water area decrease.
Mechanism
Increased water Depth or Salinity, reduces number of plants in an area. Open water area increases.
Model keys
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