La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Effects of sea level induced disturbances on high salt marsh metabolism
Auteurs :	W. D. Miller, Auteur ; S. C. Neubauer, Auteur ; I. C. Anderson, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Estuaries (24(3) JUN 2001)
Article en page(s) :	357-367
Résumé :	Salt marshes, which provide a transition between the marine and terrestrial environments around much of the temperate world, will be the first ecosystem to feel the effects of an increased rate of sea level rise. This study examined the metabolic responses of a high salt marsh to increased inundation and wrack deposition associated with sea level rise. We measured changes in ecosystem and soil photosynthesis and respiration by analyzing carbon dioxide fluxes in the light and dark. Data from seasonal flux measurements were combined with continuously measured light and temperature data to develop a model that estimated annual production and respiration. Results suggested that increased inundation will reduce respiration rates to a greater extent than production, yielding a moderate net loss of organic carbon from the high marsh. The model also predicted a substantial loss of organic carbon from wrack-affected areas. This decreased organic carbon input may play an important role in the ability of the marsh to maintain elevation relative to sea level rise.

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