Short-Term Sedimentation Dynamics in the Rhone River Delta, France: The Importance of Riverine Pulsing

摘要: Short-term sedimentation patterns were evaluated from August 1992 to May 1993 in different wetland habitats characteristic of the Rhone Delta, including impounded and seasonally-dry saline Arthrocnemum marshes, brackish Juncus, Phragmites, Scirpus riverine wetlands directly connected River, Arthrocnemum-dominated marine marshes influenced by Mediterranean. was measured as sediment accumulation on paper filters which had been placed soil surface for several weeks. Total material lost ignition significantly related individual sampling periods, reflecting importance short-term processes. High at sites (up 22 g m−2 d−1) a combination river stage wind events. Marine Delta experienced low throughout period study. Sedimentation rates averaged over study 0.8 d−1, 1.8 5.4 d−1 marine, impounded, sites, respectively. Percent all (average 15%) followed seasonal trend with minimum late fall winter (1%). Soil percent organic matter also top centimeters (13%), suggesting that inorganic is very important accretion these surfaces. Coastal flooding not significant mechanism during an factor elevation change, this shows habitats, most common “natural environment“ left delta, may become vulnerable sea-level rise future if management practices continue isolate sources sediment.