The ecology of New England high salt marshes: A community profile
- Rhode Island Univ., Kingston, RI (USA). Graduate School of Oceanography
The high salt marshes of New England have evolved in response to sea-level rises through accretion of sediments entrapped by marsh vegetation. Early theories of marsh development are traced and are reconciled in Redfield's synthesis accounting for marsh growth by aggradation over sand and mud flats as well as by accretion on existing marsh surfaces. The shape and appearance of high marshes result from unique, complex interactions of local topography and bathymetry, sea-level rise, tides, sediment supply and vegetation. These factors, particularly the major influences of tides and short-term changes in sea-level, are incorporated in short-term processes that define and mold the ecology of the high marsh. Short- and long-term mechanisms have produced approximate zonation of vegetation in the high marsh. High marshes are contrasted to Spartina-dominated low marsh in terms of plant and animal species and the relative importance of the dynamics of production, export, decomposition, and accumulation of materials in the sediments. High marshes have been subjected to man's activities since earliest English settlement. This history of New Englanders' impact on this community is traced from their use of marshes as hay fields to depositories of pollutants. Habitat management considerations today include mosquito control and sewage sludge treatment. 154 refs., 29 figs., 14 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- National Coastal Ecosystems Team, Washington, DC (USA); Rhode Island Univ., Kingston, RI (USA). Graduate School of Oceanography
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOI
- OSTI ID:
- 6416780
- Report Number(s):
- FWS/OBS-81/55; ON: TI91004496
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540210 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
540310* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARTHROPODS
BIOMASS
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION I
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
MARSHES
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POLLUTION
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
USA
WATER POLLUTION
WETLANDS