Shrinking Ecosystems: An Investigation into the Impact of Sea Level Rise on the Distribution of Coastal Marshes Situated on the Southern and Mid-Atlantic Coast of North America

Abstract

Coastal marshes are important habitats which provide many ecosystem services which benefit many, including acting as natural buffers to flooding and sea level rise and carbon sinks. These wetlands are dynamic, and undergo various changes in characteristics as a response to changes in environmental conditions. This paper explores the impact that sea level rise has and continues to have on coastal marshes on the Southern Mid-Atlantic coast of North America. Coastal erosion and salt-water encroachment were two prominent drivers changes occurring in these ecosystems. The mechanisms of both aforementioned drivers are explained in the context of sea level rise and how they cause the fragmentation and redistribution of coastal marshes. Additionally, anthropogenic drivers of coastal change were considered, however were not the main focus of this paper. As many varying ecosystems continue to deteriorate, approach and even pass their tipping points, it is crucial to understand what contributes to the widespread observed change in characteristics such as their geographic extent.