High resolution tidal inundation measurements, high precision elevation measurements and the distribution of salt marsh plant species and communities.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Environmental Sciences
Abstract
We know in general terms that in the UK salt marshes occur between the elevation that corresponds to high water of neap tides and high water of spring tides. However, on the complex coastlines where salt marshes occur the elevation that a high water reaches varies over quite short distances. As a result, we do not understand with any precision the relationship between vertical elevation, numbers of tidal inundations per year and the occurrence of particular salt marsh species and communities. The uncertainties in where particular salt marsh communities and species occur are at the upper end of the range in predicted rise in global mean sea level over the next century (11 and 70 cm). We will use small depth recording dataloggers to measure tidal inundation patterns at large numbers of locations on the North Norfolk Coast and in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex. This will be combined with precise measurements of elevation obtained using a differential global positioning system (GPS). We will then determine the relationship between inundation patterns and vegetation patterns
Organisations
Publications
Brooks K
(2014)
Limited Vegetation Development on a Created Salt Marsh Associated with Over-Consolidated Sediments and Lack of Topographic Heterogeneity
in Estuaries and Coasts
Davy A
(2011)
Colonization of a newly developing salt marsh: disentangling independent effects of elevation and redox potential on halophytes
in Journal of Ecology
Mossman H
(2012)
Does managed coastal realignment create saltmarshes with 'equivalent biological characteristics' to natural reference sites?
in Journal of Applied Ecology
Mossman H
(2011)
Quantifying local variation in tidal regime using depth-logging fish tags
in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Mossman H
(2010)
Constraints on Salt Marsh Development Following Managed Coastal Realignment: Dispersal Limitation or Environmental Tolerance?
in Restoration Ecology
| Description | We know in general terms that in the UK salt marshes occur between the elevation that corresponds to high water of neap tides and high water of spring tides. However, on the complex coastlines where salt marshes occur the elevation that a high water reaches varies over quite short distances. As a result, we do not understand with any precision the relationship between vertical elevation, numbers of tidal inundations per year and the occurrence of particular salt marsh species and communities. The uncertainties in where particular salt marsh communities and species occur are at the upper end of the range in predicted rise in global mean sea level over the next century (11 and 70 cm). We deployed small depth recording dataloggers to measure tidal inundation patterns at 25 locations on the North Norfolk Coast and at 25 locations in Essex estuaries. This was combined with precise measurements of elevation obtained using a differential global positioning system (GPS) to determine how the tidal wave is distorted as it passes into complex indented coast lines and between standard ports. |
| Exploitation Route | The methodology that we have developed is of potential use in the planning of coastal management in the face of sea level rise, and will also be of value in designing intertidal habitat creation schemes |
| Sectors | Construction,Environment |
| Description | Detailed understanding of the tidal dynamics along the North Norfolk coast has proved very useful in assessing the impact of the December 2013 tidal surge |
| First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
| Sector | Construction,Environment |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |