Saltmarsh change

Salt marshes are ephemeral landscapes, which commonly erode and expand by tens of metres a year. Understanding historical patterns of marsh change and identifying the drivers which cause change can help  predict how marshes will likely change in the future. 

This study used historical maps and aerial photographs to document saltmarsh expansion and erosion for six of the largest marsh complexes around Great Britain. Data on hydrology, sediment transport, and human impact were used to find the key drivers responsible for marsh change.

Read the paper

key points:

  • Sea level rise alone does not explain marsh lateral changes over the past 150 years
  • Sediment flux is by far the strongest indicator of long‐term lateral changes in salt marsh extent
  • Small increases in fetch length may boost marsh expansion through stimulating wind‐driven sediment transport onto marshes

This work was supported by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Cynllun Ysgoloriaethau Ymchwil and Prifysgol Bangor.