Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-102-2020 (submitted: 02/06/2020, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Tidal channel network dynamics and salt marsh ecosystem functioning along the Georgia Coast
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Amanda C. Spivak | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Georgia | ||
| Award Information: | Georgia Sea Grant, NOAA, $150K | ||
| Mailing Address: | Marine Science Rm. 164 | Phone Number: | (706) 542-5709 |
| Marine Sciences | E-mail Address: | aspivak@uga.edu | |
| Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 | |||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
The tidal channel network that interlaces Georgia's salt marshes is highly dynamic. Lateral migration of tidal channels contributes to salt marsh loss at the local scale but not, perhaps, at a landscape scale, since erosion is often compensated by new marsh creation (i.e., marsh progradation along the inner channel bank). Even in the absence of net marsh loss, erosion associated with tidal channel migration may affect marsh functioning and the delivery of valuable ecosystem services, such as soil carbon storage. Through this project we will (1) quantify the impact of tidal channel migration on the gross and net change in marsh area since the 1850s, (2) determine whether hotspots of channel migration and marsh reworking are related to morphological and environmental parameters, (3) characterize differences in ecosystem properties between retreating and prograding marshes, (4) and determine the net effect of channel migration on ecosystem productivity and soil carbon storage and turnover rates.
We will use existing data sets to develop a map of the Georgia coastline that describes channel migration and marsh area change since the 1850s. We will then determine whether rates of marsh area change have varied over the last decades, identify hotspots, and evaluate potential correlations with parameters such as distance from a river or inlet, channel order, salinity, and tidal range. At a subset of hotspots, we will sample retreating and prograding marshes and quantify differences in plant and animal communities, soil properties, and channel drainage properties. This combination of spatial, geomorphic, ecological, and geochemical information will provide the first integrated dataset of channel migration impacts on marsh ecosystem functioning.
Where will the project be located?
Several potential sites are being considered including: 31°23'33.59"N 81°20'10.26"W 31°23'21.14"N 81°20'13.55"W 31°23'51.17"N 81°19'13.30"W 31°23'34.87"N 81°19'12.75"W 31°24'17.75"N 81°20'51.55"W 31°24'5.60"N 81°20'52.15"W 31°24'42.10"N 81°20'18.61"W 31°24'44.68"N 81°20'27.10"W 31°24'8.78"N 81°21'39.50"W 31°24'16.32"N 81°21'59.56"W 31°26'35.88"N 81°18'22.64"W 31°26'46.27"N 81°18'9.48"W
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
GPS coordinates are listed in the project location field
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 02/10/2020 End Date: 01/31/2022
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
Two - three people will access the sites once.
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
None.
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
Plant biomass will be collected from 0.25 m X 0.25 m plots. Animal abundances will be surveyed and a subset will be measured for length in the field. No animals will be removed.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
One 10 cm diameter soil core will be removed from two locations at each GPS point. I anticipate collected a total of 10 cores (i.e., 2 from 5 of the sites listed above).
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
No because this is a one time collection with a minimal field crew.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
The impacts will be very short term since the disturbance will be minimal
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-102-2020_Permit_GCE-LTER_Permit_Spivak_GA_SG_2020 (02/10/2020-01/31/2022)
Study Area Map:
Files attached to this application
GCE-102-2020_Maps_GCE113_Spivak.kml (KML file, 7.51 kb, submitted 02/06/2020)
