Tidal Marsh on Mineral Soil
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Increasing salinity
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Transition T1B
Marsh drowning
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Transition T2A
Increasing salinity
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Transition T2B
Marsh drowning
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Transition T3A
Marsh drowning
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Transition T4A
Marsh accretion
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Transition T4B
Marsh accretion
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Transition T4C
Marsh accretion
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
Tidal freshwater marshes are located down stream from nontidal freshwater wetlands and upstream from tidal saline wetlands. Average water salinity ranges from 0 to 0.5 ppt, except for periods of extreme tidal influence or extended drought. Tidal freshwater marshes are among the most diverse plant communities. Salt marsh vegetation is typically absent, but brackish species may be common or locally dominant.
Description
The brackish marsh occurs in the middle of the salinity gradient and are found upstream from salt marshes. Salinity can range from 0.5 – 18 ppt and plant community structure will differ based on salinity levels. Marshes on the lower end of the salinity range will function similarly to a freshwater marsh, and are also at risk of salinization.
Description
Tidal saltwater marshes occur in the intertidal areas of estuaries and behind barrier beaches where they are protected direct wave energy. Salinity can range from 18-35 ppt depending on tidal influence and location of the marsh. Halophytic vegetation such as rushes, grasses, and sedges occur between the low and high tidal zone. The distribution of salt marsh species is linked to soil elevation, hydroperiod, and inundation frequency.
Sedimentation in salt marshes is dominated by inorganic supply rather than organic production (often referred to as allochthonous), which relies on the advection of fine sediments from the estuarine source. This depends on a complex interaction of concentration at the edge of the marsh, the time that tidal waters are over the marsh, the low over the marsh platform and through the vegetation, settlement and trapping processes and the distance into the marsh.
Mechanism
The mechanisms that control the transformation of freshwater marshes into brackish marshes vary with the geomorphological, hydrological, and ecological setting. Storm surge and increased tides bring salt water into freshwater marshes damaging vegetation and triggering die backs. Sea level rise and saltwater intrusion alters the long-term soil salinity and favors the growth of halophytic salt marsh vegetation.
Mechanism
Tidal marshes are at risk of drowning and transitioning to open water via sea level rise and/or marsh soil erosion. Stressors that reduce productivity of vegetation lead to soil erosion, increased ponding or inundation, and increase the size of the open water pond.
Mechanism
The mechanisms that control the transformation of brackish marshes into saltwater marshes vary with the geomorphological, hydrological, and ecological setting. Storm surge and increased tides bring salt water into brackish marshes damaging vegetation and triggering die backs. Sea level rise and saltwater intrusion alters the long-term soil salinity and favors the growth of halophytic salt marsh vegetation.
Mechanism
Tidal marshes are at risk of drowning and transitioning to open water via sea level rise and/or marsh soil erosion. Stressors that reduce productivity of vegetation lead to soil erosion, increased ponding or inundation, and increase the size of the open water pond.
Mechanism
Tidal marshes are at risk of drowning and transitioning to open water via sea level rise and/or marsh soil erosion. Stressors that reduce productivity of vegetation lead to soil erosion, increased ponding or inundation, and increase the size of the open water pond.
Mechanism
Tidal marshes will establish and/or persist if they build vertically at a rate equal to or greater than sea level rise, either through vertical accretion of organic matter, accumulation of sediments, deposition of mineral material, or a combination.
Mechanism
Tidal marshes will establish and/or persist if they build vertically at a rate equal to or greater than sea level rise, either through vertical accretion of organic matter, accumulation of sediments, deposition of mineral material, or a combination.
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.