Climatic drivers of estuarine sediment dynamics

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Edited by: Michael J. KennishHans W. Paerl, and Joseph Crosswell

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Abstract

Estuarine sediment dynamics are controlled by myriad physical processes that operate across broad spatiotemporal scales. On the smallest scales, interactions between turbulence and individual particles control mobilization and settling, while interactions across larger scales between freshwater and marine inflow can control decadal timescale geomorphic change. Climate change, through the combined effects of sea-level rise, precipitation intensity, atmospheric variability, and anthropogenic intervention will affect sediment dynamics, geomorphology, and ultimately estuarine function. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the influence of these effects on sediment dynamics to assess the future evolution of estuaries. In this chapter we address the basic tidal, non-tidal, and geologic timescale concepts of estuarine sediment transport, then we illustrate how these concepts may be affected by future climate change. While sea-level rise alone will tend to favor sediment trapping and landward movement of estuaries, human influences within the watershed and estuary, including shoreline stabilization and dredging, may be of similar magnitude. The overarching goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with a basic framework of estuarine sediment transport so they can apply these general concepts to a specific system, under a predicted future state of climate, and develop testable hypotheses on future estuarine geomorphology and function.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Climatic drivers of estuarine sediment dynamics
Chapter 13
DOI 10.1201/9781003126096
Publication Date July 21, 2023
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 18 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Climate Change and Estuaries
First page 231
Last page 248
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