Biological and Physical Processes That Affect Saltmarsh Erosion and Saltmarsh Restoration: Development of Hypotheses

摘要: Saltmarsh habitats are under increasing threat, particularly from sea-level rise (SLR) associated with global warming and increased wave action climate change. The saltmarshes of southeastern England, which developed for several centuries conditions local SLR, now disappearing rapidly. These marshes offer the potential study processes that determine loss vegetation, necessary managed amelioration these losses, as some experimental realignment schemes in progress. Burd (1992) reported that, 15 years prior to 1988, total losses saltmarsh vegetation estuaries River Orwell Suffolk Swale Kent, varied 23 % Blackwater 44 Stour (Fig. 8.1). Most were pioneer zone where up 74% was lost during same period. Loss is causing concern because reduction protection offered by sea walls surround most this coastline, conservation importance habitats. contain about 28,000 ha mudflats 8500 vegetated saltmarshes, 85 internationally important, largely their use migrating overwintering birds.