Abstract
Tidal marshes are highly valuable coastal wetlands ecosystems, but at the same time they are seriously threatened by sea level rise (SLR). Marshes need sufficient supply of suspended sediment (or SPM) to build up their land and avoid being submerged by the rising seas. However, understanding the complex patterns of SPM concentration, composition, among other properties, is extremely difficult and remains largely under-explored. Because of this complexity, current models of marsh evolution only consider simplified representations of sediment supply, leading to significant uncertainties as to predicting how these tidal marshes will cope with future SLR. Our goal is to deepen our understanding on the dynamics of SPM and its properties across different spatial and temporal scales. To achieve this, we will employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines field studies with computer modelling. By collecting new data in the field, we will conduct a comprehensive characterization of SPM quantities, qualities and pathways, considering spatial variations (from the estuarine channel to the marsh interior) and temporal variations (from tidal cycles to multiple years). These findings will then be integrated into a sophisticated numerical model of tidal marsh morphological evolution, allowing us to explore how different sediment supply scenarios may affect marsh survival to SLR. Therefore, this project aims to push the boundaries of our knowledge about sediment supply to tidal marshes and, as such, improve future model assessments of marsh survival to SLR. Ultimately, this will contribute to better-informed decisions about how to protect and manage these crucial ecosystems in the future.
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