Marsh vertical accretion in a Southern California Estuary, U.S.A
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Vertical accretion was measured between October 1992 and March 1994 in low and high saltmarsh zones in the north arm of Tijuana estuary from feldspar market horizons and soil corings. Accretion in the Spartina foliosa low marsh (2-8.5 cm) was related almost entirely to episodic storm-induced river flows between January and March 1993, with daily tidal flooding contributing little or no sediment during the subsequent 12 month period of no river flow. Accretion in the Salicornia subterminalis high marsh was low (~1-2 mm) throughout the 17-month measuring period. High water levels in the salt marsh associated with the storm flows were enhanced in early January 1993 by the monthly extreme high sea level, when the low and high marshes were flooded about 0.5 m above normal high tide levels. Storm flows in January-March 1993 mobilized about 5 million tons of sediment, of which the low salt marsh trapped an estimated 31,941 tonnes, including 971 tonnes of carbon and 77 tonnes of nitrogen. Sediment trapping by the salt marsh during episodic winter floods plays an important role in the long-term maintenance of productivity of Tijuana estuary through nutrient retention and maintenance of marsh surface elevation. The potential exists, however, for predicted accelerated rates of sea-level rise to out-pace marsh surface elevation gain during extended periods of drought (i.e. low sediment inputs) which are not uncommon for this arid region.
Suggested Citation
Cahoon, D.R., Lynch, J., Powell, A., 1996, Marsh vertical accretion in a Southern California Estuary, U.S.A: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, v. 43, no. 1, p. 19-32, https://doi.org/10.1006/ecss.1996.0055.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Marsh vertical accretion in a Southern California Estuary, U.S.A |
| Series title | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science |
| DOI | 10.1006/ecss.1996.0055 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1996 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | National Wetlands Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 14 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science |
| First page | 19 |
| Last page | 32 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Tijuana River |