GCE Announcement
Research News
Mesocosms
The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER project has undertaken the design and installation of an experimental mesocosm facility at UGAMI. A mesocosm is a medium-sized tank that can be used to mimic real world conditions. In this case the mesocosms are Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) 250 gallon tanks. The system utilizes a flow-through design, with water sourced directly from South End Creek to simulate natural estuarine conditions.
The initial experimental focus will be on the salt marsh grass, Spartina alterniflora, and how it responds to different inundation frequencies. The experiment is due to start this spring and run through the fall, with researchers measuring the response of plants, mussels, and a suite of soil parameters. Future plans include the incorporation of key invertebrates and additional plants, so stay tuned (and if you’re visiting please don’t run over the pipes)!
Mesocosms as seen from the UGAMI seawater intake pier.
(Contact John Williams for additional information)
submitted May 19, 2026
