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An elevation of saltmarsh vegetation zonation as a predictor of elevation relative to mean sea level

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 10:33 authored by Brigid MorrisonBrigid Morrison
Patterns of biological zonation across salt marshes are commonly used as proxies for mean seal level to reconstruct past environments, and predict future change with sea level rise. Reconstructions employ the transfer function to provide robust R2 values to determine accuracy of the calibration of modern assemblages. However, rarely are such parameters provided when salt marsh vegetation patterns are used to predict future change in a GIS. This study models the predictive capability of salt marsh vegetation at a local and regional level by asking: "Is there a general rule between salt marshes with different tidal ranges that causes zonation." Elevation, tidal inundation period, soil salinity, pH, % sand, moisture and organic content were used to predict the presence of vegetation types using multiple logistic regression. Results show that at a site level, % sand, probably acting as a surrogate for moisture content, was the best predictor of vegetation type before elevation and inundation period. However, at a regional level, between marshes of different tidal range, only elevation and inundation period were capable of predicting vegetation type. Most significant for predicting change in a GIS is the finding that at both meso and micro tidal sites, the seaward edges establish at around 30% inundation period and the marsh upland border extends to less than 1% inundation period.

History

Publication title

School of Geography & Environmental Studies Conference 2011

Editors

School of Geography & Environmental Studies

Pagination

x-x

Department/School

School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences

Publisher

University of Tasmania

Place of publication

Hobart

Event title

School of Geography & Environmental Studies Conference 2011

Event Venue

Hobart

Date of Event (Start Date)

2011-06-28

Date of Event (End Date)

2011-06-29

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems

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