I. Data Set Descriptors A. Title: Steven C. Pennings. 2015. GCE-LTER Altamaha River Plant Community Monitoring Survey in October 2015. Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Data Catalog (data set PLT-GCEM-1511c; http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/data/PLT-GCEM-1511c) B. Accession Number: PLT-GCEM-1511c C. Description 1. Originator(s): Name: Steven C. Pennings Address: Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston, Texas 77204-5513 Country: USA Email: scpennin@central.uh.edu 2. Abstract: A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2015 to measure the species and size distribution of plants at 3 sampling sites on the creekbank of the Altamaha River. The sites were chosen to capture the transition from Spartina alterniflora to Spartina cynosuroides (site SCSA) and the transition from Spartina cynosuroides to Zizaniopsis miliacea (sites ZSC1 and ZSC2). The quadrats were established as permanent plots in October 2012 by placing PVC stakes along the creekbank at each site. Plots were evenly spaced, but were not randomly located because the goal was to start with mixtures of vegetation in most of the plots, and vegetation was distributed in patches along the creekbanks. Therefore, these plots provide useful measures of vegetation change, but are not a random sample of the vegetation at the site. Plots will be replaced each year as necessary to replace any lost to disturbance. The plots were visually surveyed and the species, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded individually for each shoot over 10 cm in height present in each plot. Observations from plots exhibiting signs of disturbance were noted in the data set. This survey will be repeated annually to assess changes in plant distribution and biomass in relation to environmental changes documented by other GCE LTER monitoring efforts. 3. Study Type: Monitoring 4. Study Themes: Plant Ecology, Botany 5. LTER Core Areas: Population Studies 6. Georeferences: none 7. Submission Date: Nov 20, 2015 D. Keywords: aboveground biomass, Acrididae, Acrididea, Acridoidea, Angiospermae, Animalia, Arthropoda, Bilateria, biomass, Bolboschoenus robustus, Caelifera, Cladium jamaicense, Cyperaceae, Cyrtacanthacridinae, Ecdysozoa, Embryophyta, flowering, GCE, Georgia, Georgia Coastal Ecosystems, Hexapoda, Insecta, Juncaceae, Juncus roemerianus, Lilianae, LTER, Magnoliopsida, marshes, monitoring, Neoptera, Orthoptera, permanent plots, plant biomass, plant communities, plant cover, plant ecology, plant growth, Plantae, Poaceae, Poales, Polyneoptera, Population Studies, primary production, Protostomia, Pterygota, Sapelo Island, Schistocerca obscura, Schoenoplectus americanus, Schoenoplectus pungens, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, shoot height, Spartina alterniflora, Spartina cynosuroides, Spermatophytina, Streptophyta, Tracheophyta, Typha angustifolia, Typhaceae, USA, Viridaeplantae, Viridiplantae, Zizaniopsis miliacea II. Research Origin Descriptors A. Overall Project Description 1. Project Title: Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Project III 2. Principal Investigators: Name: Merryl Alber Address: Dept. of Marine Sciences University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 Country: USA Email: malber@uga.edu 3. Funding Period: Nov 01, 2012 to Nov 01, 2018 4. Objectives: The research proposed for GCE-III is designed to address how variations in salinity and inundation, driven by climate change and anthropogenic factors, affect biotic and ecosystem responses at different spatial and temporal scales, and to predict the consequences of these changes for habitat provisioning and carbon (C) sequestration across the coastal landscape. 5. Abstract: The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems (GCE) LTER is located along three adjacent sounds on the Atlantic coast and includes both intertidal marshes and estuaries. Long-term drivers of climate change, sea level rise and human alterations of the landscape will cause transitions in dominant habitat types (state changes) within the GCE domain by changing the amounts and patterns of water delivery across the landscape. These changes in water delivery can be conceptualized as presses and pulses in river inflow, local runoff, groundwater input, and tidal inundation, which will in turn manifest themselves as changes in salinity and inundation patterns in the domain. The research proposed for GCE-III is designed to address how variations in salinity and inundation, driven by climate change and anthropogenic factors, affect biotic and ecosystem responses at different spatial and temporal scales, and to predict the consequences of these changes for habitat provisioning and carbon (C) sequestration across the coastal landscape. The goals are to: 1) Track long-term changes in climate and human actions in the watershed and adjacent uplands, and evaluate the effects of these drivers on domain boundary conditions. 2) Describe temporal and spatial variability in physical, chemical, geological and biological, and to evaluate how they are affected by variations in river inflow and other boundary conditions. 3) Characterize the responses of three dominant habitats in the domain to pulses and presses in salinity and inundation. 4) Describe patterns of habitat provisioning and C sequestration and export in the GCE domain, and to evaluate how these might be affected by changes in salinity and inundation. These efforts will be synthesized into a synoptic understanding of both biotic and ecosystem responses to variations in salinity and inundation driven by climate change and human activities, which will be used to assess thresholds between habitats and the potential for state changes in the domain. 6. Funding Source: NSF OCE 1237140 B. Sub-project Description 1. Site Description a. Geographic Location: SCSA -- SCSA Altamaha Plant Transition Site, Georgia, USA ZSC1 -- ZSC1 Altamaha Plant Transition Site, Georgia, USA ZSC2 -- ZSC2 Altamaha Plant Transition Site, Georgia, USA Coordinates: SCSA -- NW: 081 22 34.61 W, 31 19 25.64 N NE: 081 22 16.54 W, 31 19 25.64 N SE: 081 22 16.54 W, 31 19 20.07 N SW: 081 22 34.61 W, 31 19 20.07 N ZSC1 -- NW: 081 27 11.04 W, 31 19 47.07 N NE: 081 26 54.01 W, 31 19 47.07 N SE: 081 26 54.01 W, 31 19 37.01 N SW: 081 27 11.04 W, 31 19 37.01 N ZSC2 -- NW: 081 27 18.91 W, 31 20 31.29 N NE: 081 27 05.14 W, 31 20 31.29 N SE: 081 27 05.14 W, 31 20 19.92 N SW: 081 27 18.91 W, 31 20 19.92 N b. Physiographic Region: SCSA -- Lower coastal plain ZSC1 -- Lower coastal plain ZSC2 -- Lower coastal plain c. Landform Components: SCSA -- Estuarine tidal marsh ZSC1 -- Estuarine tidal marsh ZSC2 -- Estuarine tidal marsh d. Hydrographic Characteristics: SCSA -- Site borders the Altamaha River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides ZSC1 -- Site borders the Altamaha River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides ZSC2 -- Site borders the Champney River, and is subject to 2-3m semi-diurnal tides e. Topographic Attributes: SCSA -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide ZSC1 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide ZSC2 -- Flat, with elevations ranging from 0-3m above mean low tide f. Geology, Lithology and Soils: SCSA -- unspecified ZSC1 -- unspecified ZSC2 -- unspecified g. Vegetation Communities: SCSA -- Spartina alterniflora and Spartina cynosuroides ZSC1 -- Spartina cynosuroides and Zizaniopsis miliacea ZSC2 -- Spartina cynosuroides and Zizaniopsis miliacea h. History of Land Use and Disturbance: SCSA -- Oct 14, 2013: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. The following plots were disturbed by wrack: C1. The following plots are located on creek bank areas that are collapsing: C1, C4. Oct 17, 2014: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. The following plots are on creekbank areas that are collapsing: C4, C7. The following plots were lost and replaced: C1 (replaced with C11). Oct 22, 2015: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. The following plots are on creekbank areas that are collapsing: C5. The following plots were lost due to creekbank erosion (terminal slump) and replaced: C11, C4, C7, C8 (replaced with C21, C14, C17, C18 resp). ZSC1 -- Oct 14, 2013: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. No disturbance was observed, and no plots were replaced. Oct 17, 2014: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. No disturbance was observed, and no plots were lost and replaced. Oct 22, 2015: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. No disturbance was observed, and no plots were lost and replaced. ZSC2 -- Oct 14, 2013: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. No disturbance was observed, and no plots were replaced. Oct 17, 2014: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. The following plots were disturbed by wrack: C3 (no plants). No plots were lost and replaced. Oct 22, 2015: Plots were examined for signs of disturbance by wrack inundation, animal activity, and creek bank erosion. The following creekbank plots are on creekbank areas that are collapsing (slump): C3. Not plots were lost and none were replaced. i. Climate: Climate summary for Sapelo Island, Georgia, based on NWS data from 1980-2010: Daily-aggregated Values: Mean (sample standard deviation) mean air temperature: 20.09°C (7.28°C) minimum air temperature: 15.02°C (7.96°C) maximum air temperature: 24.82°C (6.98°C) total precipitation: 3.26mm (10.3mm) Yearly-aggregated Daily Values: Mean (sample standard deviation) total precipitation (1980-2010): 1124mm (266mm) 2. Experimental or Sampling Design a. Design Characteristics: A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2015 to measure the species and size distribution of plants in the permanent plots at 3 GCE LTER sampling sites along the Altamaha River. Sites were chosen to represent transition zones in major plant species along the estuary. b. Permanent Plots: Permanent plots were established in the creek bank zone at each sampling site in October, 2012. Eight plots were evenly spaced along vegetated patches at each site and marked with PVC stakes. c. Data Collection Duration and Frequency: Species and size distribution of plants of three sites along the Altamaha River were measured in 8 evenly space plots in the creekbank zone at each site. Plots were chosen to provide useful measures of vegetation change, but are not a random sample of the vegetation at the site. Beginning of Observations: Oct 22, 2015 End of Observations: Oct 22, 2015 3. Research Methods a. Field and Laboratory Methods: Method 1: Quadrat sampling -- Quadrats were placed within the creekbank zone at each site (eight plots per site) to create permanent plots in October 2012. The quadrats were marked using PVC stakes and measured 0.5m by 0.5m, as indicated in the "Quadrat_Area" data column. Method 2: Plant measurement -- The taxon, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded for each live shoot > 10cm in height present in each quadrat. Method 3: Biomass Calculation -- Plant biomass was calculated for predominant flowering plants based on the allometric relationships between plant height, flowering status and biomass calculated by site, zone and species using the formula: ln(Biomass) = constant + htslope*ln(Plant_Height) + flslope*ln(Flowering_Status). b. Protocols: Method 1: none Method 2: none Method 3: none c. Instrumentation: Method 1: none Method 2: PVC ruler Parameter: length Method 3: none d. Taxonomy and Systematics: Method 1: not applicable Method 2: not applicable Method 3: not applicable e. Speclies List: f. Permit History: Method 1: not applicable Method 2: not applicable Method 3: not applicable 4. Project Personnel a. Personnel: 1: Steven C. Pennings 2: Jacob Shalack 3: Wade M. Sheldon, Jr. b. Affiliations: 1: University of Houston, Houston, Texas 2: University of Georgia Marine Institute, Sapelo Island, Georgia 3: University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia III. Data Set Status and Accessibility A. Status 1. Latest Update: 03-May-2021 2. Latest Archive Date: 03-May-2021 3. Latest Metadata Update: 03-May-2021 4. Data Verification Status: Reviewed by GCE-LTER IM B. Accessibility 1. Storage Location and Medium: Stored at GCE-LTER Data Management Office Dept. of Marine Sciences Univ. of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-3636 USA on media: electronic data download (WWW) or compact disk 2. Contact Person: Name: Wade M. Sheldon, Jr. Address: 130 Marine Sciences Marine Sciences Building Athens, Georgia 30602-3636 Country: USA Email: sheldon@uga.edu 3. Copyright Restrictions: not copyrighted 4. Restrictions: This information is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The consumer of these data ("Data User" herein) has an ethical obligation to cite it appropriately in any publication that results from its use. The Data User should realize that these data may be actively used by others for ongoing research and that coordination may be necessary to prevent duplicate publication. The Data User is urged to contact the authors of these data if any questions about methodology or results occur. Where appropriate, the Data User is encouraged to consider collaboration or co-authorship with the authors. The Data User should realize that misinterpretation of data may occur if used out of context of the original study. While substantial efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of data and associated documentation, complete accuracy of data sets cannot be guaranteed. All data are made available "as is." The Data User should be aware, however, that data are updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the Data User to check for new versions of the data. The data authors and the repository where these data were obtained shall not be liable for damages resulting from any use or misinterpretation of the data. a. Release Date: Affiliates: Nov 20, 2015, Public: Nov 20, 2016 b. Citation: Data provided by the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research Project, supported by funds from NSF OCE 1237140 (data set PLT-GCEM-1511c) c. Disclaimer: The user assumes all responsibility for errors in judgement based on interpretation of data and analyses presented in this data set. 5. Costs: free electronic data download via WWW, distribution on CD may be subject to nominal processing and handling fee IV. Data Structural Descriptors A. Data Set File 1. File Name: PLT-GCEM-1511c_2_0.CSV 2. Size: 200 records 3. File Format: ASCII text (comma-separated value format) 3a. Delimiters: single comma 4. Header Information: 5 lines of ASCII text 5. Alphanumeric Attributes: 6. Quality Control Flag Codes: 7. Authentication Procedures: 8. Calculations: Plant_Biomass(g) = e^(constant + htslope*ln(Shoot_Height(cm)) + flslope*(Flowering_Status)), based on the following parameter estimates for constant, htslope and flslope from curve fits of allometry data by plot, marsh zone and species, respectively: Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.83, 1.806, 0.354; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -7.873, 1.731, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.325, 1.869, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -8.458, 2.366, -0.455; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.669, 1.672, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.261, 2.062, -0.36; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.583, 1.87, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.231, 1.71, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.944, 1.938, 0.205; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.738, 2.066, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.095, 1.76, 0.212; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.934, 1.973, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -17.192, 3.953, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.366, 1.591, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 8, Zone 3, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.366, 1.591, 0; Site 9, Zone 3, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.011, 1.719, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.311, 1.988, 0; Site 10, Zone 3, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.311, 1.988, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2008: -6.078, 1.44, 0; Site 10, Zone 3, Species_Code A3, Year 2008: -6.078, 1.44, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0. Plant_Biomass(g) = e^(constant + htslope*ln(Shoot_Height(cm)) + flslope*(Flowering_Status)), based on the following parameter estimates for constant, htslope and flslope from curve fits of allometry data by plot, marsh zone and species, respectively: Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.83, 1.806, 0.354; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -7.873, 1.731, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.325, 1.869, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -8.458, 2.366, -0.455; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.669, 1.672, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.261, 2.062, -0.36; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.583, 1.87, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.231, 1.71, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.944, 1.938, 0.205; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.738, 2.066, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.095, 1.76, 0.212; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.934, 1.973, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -17.192, 3.953, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.366, 1.591, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.366, 1.591, 0; Site 9, Zone 3, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -6.011, 1.719, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.311, 1.988, 0; Site 10, Zone 3, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -7.311, 1.988, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2008: -6.078, 1.44, 0; Site 10, Zone 3, Species_Code A3, Year 2008: -6.078, 1.44, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A6, Year 2007: -9.458, 2.153, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A7, Year 2007: -14.315, 3.397, 0.347; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A1, Year 2002: -5.455, 1.604, 0.224; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A4, Year 2002: -15.021, 3.521, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 1, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 1, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 2, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 2, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 3, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 3, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 4, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 4, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 5, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 5, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 6, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 6, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 7, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 7, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 8, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 9, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 10, Zone 1, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site 10, Zone 2, Species_Code A13, Year 2019: -6.8858, 1.5862, 0; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A5, Year 2007: -6.955, 1.495, 0; Site NaN, Zone 1, Species_Code A9, Year 2020: -8.5794, 2.0752, 0; Site 9, Zone 2, Species_Code A3, Year 2002: -6.527, 1.507, 0; Site 8, Zone 2, Species_Code A2, Year 2002: -11.954, 2.804, 0.405. 9. Processing History: Software version: GCE Data Toolbox Version 3.9.9b (06-Mar-2019) Data structure version: GCE Data Structure 1.1 (29-Mar-2001) Original data file processed: PLT-GCEM-1511c.TXT (200 records) Data processing history: 22-Dec-2015: new GCE Data Structure 1.1 created ('newstruct') 22-Dec-2015: 200 rows imported from ASCII data file 'PLT-GCEM-1511c.TXT' ('imp_ascii') 22-Dec-2015: 82 metadata fields in file header parsed ('parse_header') 22-Dec-2015: data structure validated ('gce_valid') 22-Dec-2015: Q/C flagging criteria applied, 'flags' field updated ('dataflag') 22-Dec-2015: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 22-Dec-2015: updated 56 metadata fields in the Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('addmeta') 22-Dec-2015: Added a calculated plant biomass column using curve fit coefficents from allometric analyses relating plant height to mass determined for each Site, Zone and Species ('plant_biomass') 22-Dec-2015: Q/C flagging criteria applied for column(s) Plant_Biomass, 'flags' field updated ('dataflag') 03-May-2021: deleted column Plant_Biomass from data structure ('ui_editor') 03-May-2021: Added a calculated plant biomass column using curve fit coefficents from allometric analyses relating plant height to mass determined for each Site, Zone and Species ('plant_biomass') 03-May-2021: Q/C flagging criteria applied for column(s) Plant_Biomass, 'flags' field updated ('dataflag') 03-May-2021: updated 1 metadata fields in the Dataset sections ('addmeta') 03-May-2021: imported Dataset, Project, Site, Study, Status, Supplement metadata descriptors from the GCE Metabase ('imp_gcemetadata') 03-May-2021: updated 57 metadata fields in the Dataset, Project, Site, Status, Study, Supplement sections ('addmeta') 03-May-2021: updated 6 metadata fields in the Data sections ('addmeta') 03-May-2021: updated 15 metadata fields in the Status, Data sections to reflect attribute metadata ('updatecols') 03-May-2021: parsed and formatted metadata ('listmeta') B. Variable Information 1. Variable Name: column 1. Year column 2. Month column 3. Day column 4. Site column 5. Zone column 6. Plot column 7. Quadrat_Area column 8. Species_Code column 9. Shoot_Height column 10. Flowering_Status column 11. Plot_Disturbance column 12. Plant_Biomass 2. Variable Definition: column 1. Year of observation column 2. Month of observation column 3. Day of observation column 4. GCE LTER nominal sampling site column 5. Nominal marsh zone column 6. Permanent plot number column 7. Areal measurement of the quadrat frame column 8. Plant species code column 9. Height of the plant shoot above the substrate column 10. Presence or absence of inflorescence column 11. Presence or absence of visible plot disturbance column 12. Plant biomass calculated from shoot height and flowering status, based on curve fits of allometric data collected for each site, marsh zone and species 3. Units of Measurement: column 1. YYYY column 2. M column 3. D column 4. none column 5. none column 6. none column 7. m^2 column 8. none column 9. cm column 10. none column 11. none column 12. g 4. Data Type a. Storage Type: column 1. integer column 2. integer column 3. integer column 4. string column 5. integer column 6. integer column 7. floating-point column 8. string column 9. floating-point column 10. integer column 11. integer column 12. floating-point b. Variable Codes: Zone: 1 = creek bank zone, 2 = mid-marsh zone Species_Code: A1 = Spartina alterniflora, A2 = Spartina cynosuroides, A3 = Juncus Roemerianus, A4 = Zizaniopsis miliacea, A5 = Scirpus spp., A6 = Panicum spp., A7 = Typha spp., A8 = Unidentified rush, A9 = Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, A10 = Cladium jamaicense (Cladium mariscus) Flowering_Status: 1 = flowering, 0 = not flowering, missing = not scored c. Numeric Range: column 1. 2015 to 2015 column 2. 10 to 10 column 3. 22 to 22 column 4. (none) column 5. 1 to 1 column 6. 1 to 21 column 7. 0.25 to 0.25 column 8. (none) column 9. 60 to 340 column 10. 0 to 1 column 11. 0 to 1 column 12. 0.95962 to 157.9089 d. Missing Value Code: 5. Data Format a. Column Type: column 1. numerical column 2. numerical column 3. numerical column 4. text column 5. numerical column 6. numerical column 7. numerical column 8. text column 9. numerical column 10. numerical column 11. numerical column 12. numerical b. Number of Columns: 12 c. Decimal Places: column 1. 0 column 2. 0 column 3. 0 column 4. 0 column 5. 0 column 6. 0 column 7. 2 column 8. 0 column 9. 0 column 10. 0 column 11. 0 column 12. 3 6. Logical Variable Type: column 1. datetime (discrete) column 2. datetime (discrete) column 3. datetime (discrete) column 4. nominal (none) column 5. coded value (discrete) column 6. nominal (discrete) column 7. calculation (continuous) column 8. coded value (none) column 9. data (continuous) column 10. logical (discrete) column 11. logical (discrete) column 12. calculation (continuous) 7. Flagging Criteria: column 1. x<2015="Q";x>2015="Q" column 2. x<1="I";x>12="I";x<10="Q";x>10="Q" column 3. x<1="I";x>31="I";x<22="Q";x>22="Q" column 4. flag_notinlist(x,"SCSA,ZSC1,ZSC2")="Q" column 5. x<1="I";x>2="I" column 6. x<1="I";x>21="Q" column 7. x<0.25="Q";x>0.25="Q" column 8. flag_notinlist(x,"A1,A2,A3,A4,A5,A6,A7,A8,A9,A10")="Q" column 9. x<0="I";x>400="Q" column 10. x<0="I";x>1="I" column 11. x<0="I";x>1="I" column 12. x<=0="I" C. Data Anomalies: Biomass could not be calculated for plants in the following plots because Shoot_Height was not measured or allometric relationships between plant height, flowering status and mass have not been determined for that species in the respective Site and Zone: Site ZSC1, Zone 1, Plot 4: 2 plants (33.3%); Site ZSC1, Zone 1, Plot 6: 2 plants (20.0%). Biomass could not be calculated for plants in the following plots because Shoot_Height was not measured or allometric relationships between plant height, flowering status and mass have not been determined for that species in the respective Site and Zone: Site ZSC1, Zone 1, Plot 4: 1 plant (16.7%). V. Supplemental Descriptors A. Data Acquisition 1. Data Forms: 2. Form Location: 3. Data Entry Validation: B. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures: C. Supplemental Materials: D. Computer Programs: E. Archival Practices: F. Publications: not specified G. History of Data Set Usage 1. Data Request History: not specified 2. Data Set Update History: none 3. Review History: none 4. Questions and Comments from Users: none