Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Estuarine and MaRsh Geology Research Project
Completed
By St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
May 28, 2020
The goal of the Estuarine and MaRsh Geology (EMRG) Research Project is to study how and where short- and long-term marsh and estuarine coastal processes interact, how they influence coastal accretion or erosion, and how they pre-condition a marsh’s resiliency to storms, sea-level change, and human alterations along the northern Gulf of Mexico (Grand Bay and Point aux Chenes, Mississippi and St. Marks, Florida).
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Marsh and Estuarine Coastal Processes
Interactions between coastal estuaries, marshes, and upland environments are a complex web of inter-related and inter-connected physical and ecological processes. The Estuarine and MaRsh Geology (EMRG) project focuses on how specific geologic and geomorphic variables such as sediment properties and shoreface slope, respectively, impact the erosion and accretion rates of marsh environments in both the short- and long-term. To do this we use field observations, oceanographic sensors, and field collected sediment samples paired with marsh-estuarine system models run for various scenarios such as with a modified geomorphology or sea-level change.
Project Objectives:
1) Define the key geologic and geomorphic variables that influence marsh width and elevation for each study area,
2) Quantify elevation and geomorphic gradients along natural boundaries (upland-marsh, marsh-estuary, estuary-ocean), and
3) Evaluate the importance of geo-variables and gradients on marsh resiliency through modeling marsh-estuary systems.
Approach:
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
1) Assess key metrics through field collection, laboratory analyses, and data mining that link geologic variables with physical forces (such as hydrodynamics and storm events) and ecological responses that can be mapped and assessed over space and time:
A. Organic matter accumulation, inorganic sedimentation, elevation change
- Determine sediment provenance and properties
- Calculate short-term (tile) sedimentation rates (Be-7, Th-234)
- Calculate long-term (core) sedimentation rates (Pb-210, Cs-137)
- Identify foraminifera microfossils as proxies of paleo-marsh type
B. Bathymetric changes
- Collect multi-beam bathymetry to compare with past bathymetric maps
C. Shoreface slope and curvature
- Derive metrics from multi-beam surveys and satellite imagery
- Conduct shoreline survey using GPS during field work in Grand Bay and Pointe aux Chenes.
D. Geology of the marsh shoreline type and/or shallow stratigraphy
- Characterize environments, sediment properties, and marsh shoreline types at the surface and, where possible, downcore
E. Short and long-term shoreline change and measurements of lateral sediment flux
- Digitize historical topographic-sheets for comparison with modern shorelines to determine change in lateral extent of marsh platform
- Collect field and sensor measurements of marsh edge erosion and sediment delivery
F. Marsh-upland boundary change rates
- Identify foraminifera and diatom microfossils as proxies of paleo-marsh type, geomorphology, and environmental change
- Map depth to peat to determine modern and past lateral and vertical marsh extent
2) Incorporate results from field derived bathymetry, sediment, shoreface, shoreline, and oceanographic data analyses into numerical models to define marsh-estuarine system processes including coastal hydrodynamics (tides, waves) and sediment transport. These models improve our understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between oceanographic processes, geology, geomorphology, and marsh ecology under scenarios of past, present, and future conditions (for example, storms, sea-level change and modified geomorphology) and identify where more information may be required to advance our knowledge of marsh resiliency.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Explore other science related to this project.
Estuarine Shoreline Change Research Project
The goal of the estuarine shoreline change project is to define shoreline positions for historical and modern wetland shorelines and calculate rates of change along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
Sea-level and Storm Impacts on Estuarine Environments and Shorelines (SSIEES)
This project assesses the physical controls of sediment and material exchange between wetlands and estuarine environments along the northern Gulf of Mexico (Grand Bay Alabama/Mississippi and Vermilion Bay, Louisiana) and the Atlantic coast (Chincoteague Bay, Virginia/Maryland).
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 32
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS scientist collecting real-time kinematic (RTK) elevation and location data following oceanographic sensor deployment
linkA USGS scientist collects real-time kinematic (RTK) position (elevation, latitude, and longitude) data following oceanographic sensor deployment in Point aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
USGS scientist collecting real-time kinematic (RTK) elevation and location data following oceanographic sensor deployment
linkA USGS scientist collects real-time kinematic (RTK) position (elevation, latitude, and longitude) data following oceanographic sensor deployment in Point aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
Platform with oceanographic sensors that collect oceanographic data
Starboard platform with oceanographic sensors attached, wrapped in copper tape to deter biofouling, and ready for deployment to collect turbidity, conductivity, and other parameters.
Starboard platform with oceanographic sensors attached, wrapped in copper tape to deter biofouling, and ready for deployment to collect turbidity, conductivity, and other parameters.
USGS well used to collect water level data
USGS well, located in the Point aux Chenes estuary near the marsh edge, used to collect water level data.
USGS well, located in the Point aux Chenes estuary near the marsh edge, used to collect water level data.
Point Aux Chenes scarped marsh shoreline in September 2021
Looking south along a Point Aux Chenes scarped low-marsh shoreline in September 2021
Looking south along a Point Aux Chenes scarped low-marsh shoreline in September 2021
Using personal watercraft to collect nearshore bathymetry data
A USGS scientist sits on a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with scientific equipment to collect bathymetry data - or the depth of the water - at locations of interest in Point Aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
A USGS scientist sits on a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with scientific equipment to collect bathymetry data - or the depth of the water - at locations of interest in Point Aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh tile collection
Sediment tiles, used for short-term sedimentation rates, are collected in November 2019 from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh following a 3-month deployment; the sediment accumulated on the tile will be measured and analyzed for diatoms and sediment properties.
Sediment tiles, used for short-term sedimentation rates, are collected in November 2019 from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh following a 3-month deployment; the sediment accumulated on the tile will be measured and analyzed for diatoms and sediment properties.
Measuring tidal inundation in a marsh shoreline
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepares water level loggers to install near the marsh shoreline in Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepares water level loggers to install near the marsh shoreline in Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Joseph Terrano in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh
Joseph Terrano collects field notes in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh.
Joseph Terrano collects field notes in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh.
USGS geologists study sediment exchange in estuary and marshes
Sediments in estuarine and marsh environments contain organic peat, or material derived from life, that plays an important role in ecosystem health. Here, USGS geologist Chris Smith of the St.
Sediments in estuarine and marsh environments contain organic peat, or material derived from life, that plays an important role in ecosystem health. Here, USGS geologist Chris Smith of the St.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh push core
A short marsh push core, exhibiting a sandy event layer on top, collected from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh during sample collection in October 2018 for sediment and radiochemical analyses.
A short marsh push core, exhibiting a sandy event layer on top, collected from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh during sample collection in October 2018 for sediment and radiochemical analyses.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline
Looking south along the Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline during sample collection in October 2018; sediment probe located at the shoreline is used to assist in aligning sample collection along shore perpendicular transect.
Looking south along the Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline during sample collection in October 2018; sediment probe located at the shoreline is used to assist in aligning sample collection along shore perpendicular transect.
Collection of a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October 2018
Two USGS scientists collect a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October, 2018.
Two USGS scientists collect a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October, 2018.
Calcareous estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida from Grand Bay
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous trochospiral estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida collected from Grand Bay estuary
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous trochospiral estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida collected from Grand Bay estuary
Agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti from Grand Bay
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti collected from Grand Bay.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti collected from Grand Bay.
Calcareous estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous planispiral estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum collected from Grand Bay estuary.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous planispiral estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum collected from Grand Bay estuary.
Agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens.
High tide along the marsh shoreline in Middle Bay
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide north of a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide north of a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
High tide along the marsh shoreline in Middle Bay
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide at a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide at a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Bayou Heron boat ramp at sunrise in Grand Bay, Mississippi
Photograph of a purple sunrise at Bayou Heron boat ramp in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Photograph of a purple sunrise at Bayou Heron boat ramp in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Collecting sediment samples in the marshes of Grand Bay
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center retrieves a sediment sample from under the marsh grass. Scientists installed several Net Sediment Tiles (NST) on the surface of the marsh to measure sediment deposition.
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center retrieves a sediment sample from under the marsh grass. Scientists installed several Net Sediment Tiles (NST) on the surface of the marsh to measure sediment deposition.
The goal of the Estuarine and MaRsh Geology (EMRG) Research Project is to study how and where short- and long-term marsh and estuarine coastal processes interact, how they influence coastal accretion or erosion, and how they pre-condition a marsh’s resiliency to storms, sea-level change, and human alterations along the northern Gulf of Mexico (Grand Bay and Point aux Chenes, Mississippi and St. Marks, Florida).
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Marsh and Estuarine Coastal Processes
Interactions between coastal estuaries, marshes, and upland environments are a complex web of inter-related and inter-connected physical and ecological processes. The Estuarine and MaRsh Geology (EMRG) project focuses on how specific geologic and geomorphic variables such as sediment properties and shoreface slope, respectively, impact the erosion and accretion rates of marsh environments in both the short- and long-term. To do this we use field observations, oceanographic sensors, and field collected sediment samples paired with marsh-estuarine system models run for various scenarios such as with a modified geomorphology or sea-level change.
Project Objectives:
1) Define the key geologic and geomorphic variables that influence marsh width and elevation for each study area,
2) Quantify elevation and geomorphic gradients along natural boundaries (upland-marsh, marsh-estuary, estuary-ocean), and
3) Evaluate the importance of geo-variables and gradients on marsh resiliency through modeling marsh-estuary systems.
Approach:
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
1) Assess key metrics through field collection, laboratory analyses, and data mining that link geologic variables with physical forces (such as hydrodynamics and storm events) and ecological responses that can be mapped and assessed over space and time:
A. Organic matter accumulation, inorganic sedimentation, elevation change
- Determine sediment provenance and properties
- Calculate short-term (tile) sedimentation rates (Be-7, Th-234)
- Calculate long-term (core) sedimentation rates (Pb-210, Cs-137)
- Identify foraminifera microfossils as proxies of paleo-marsh type
B. Bathymetric changes
- Collect multi-beam bathymetry to compare with past bathymetric maps
C. Shoreface slope and curvature
- Derive metrics from multi-beam surveys and satellite imagery
- Conduct shoreline survey using GPS during field work in Grand Bay and Pointe aux Chenes.
D. Geology of the marsh shoreline type and/or shallow stratigraphy
- Characterize environments, sediment properties, and marsh shoreline types at the surface and, where possible, downcore
E. Short and long-term shoreline change and measurements of lateral sediment flux
- Digitize historical topographic-sheets for comparison with modern shorelines to determine change in lateral extent of marsh platform
- Collect field and sensor measurements of marsh edge erosion and sediment delivery
F. Marsh-upland boundary change rates
- Identify foraminifera and diatom microfossils as proxies of paleo-marsh type, geomorphology, and environmental change
- Map depth to peat to determine modern and past lateral and vertical marsh extent
2) Incorporate results from field derived bathymetry, sediment, shoreface, shoreline, and oceanographic data analyses into numerical models to define marsh-estuarine system processes including coastal hydrodynamics (tides, waves) and sediment transport. These models improve our understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between oceanographic processes, geology, geomorphology, and marsh ecology under scenarios of past, present, and future conditions (for example, storms, sea-level change and modified geomorphology) and identify where more information may be required to advance our knowledge of marsh resiliency.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Explore other science related to this project.
Estuarine Shoreline Change Research Project
The goal of the estuarine shoreline change project is to define shoreline positions for historical and modern wetland shorelines and calculate rates of change along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
Sea-level and Storm Impacts on Estuarine Environments and Shorelines (SSIEES)
This project assesses the physical controls of sediment and material exchange between wetlands and estuarine environments along the northern Gulf of Mexico (Grand Bay Alabama/Mississippi and Vermilion Bay, Louisiana) and the Atlantic coast (Chincoteague Bay, Virginia/Maryland).
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 32
Marsh lateral shoreline erosion and shore-proximal sediment deposition
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
Salt marshes provide important economic and ecologic services but are vulnerable to habitat loss, particularly due to shoreline erosion from storms and sea level rise. Sediments eroded at the marsh edge are either delivered onto the marsh platform or into the estuary, the latter resulting in a net loss to the marsh sediment budget and released soil carbon.
USGS scientist collecting real-time kinematic (RTK) elevation and location data following oceanographic sensor deployment
linkA USGS scientist collects real-time kinematic (RTK) position (elevation, latitude, and longitude) data following oceanographic sensor deployment in Point aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
USGS scientist collecting real-time kinematic (RTK) elevation and location data following oceanographic sensor deployment
linkA USGS scientist collects real-time kinematic (RTK) position (elevation, latitude, and longitude) data following oceanographic sensor deployment in Point aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
Platform with oceanographic sensors that collect oceanographic data
Starboard platform with oceanographic sensors attached, wrapped in copper tape to deter biofouling, and ready for deployment to collect turbidity, conductivity, and other parameters.
Starboard platform with oceanographic sensors attached, wrapped in copper tape to deter biofouling, and ready for deployment to collect turbidity, conductivity, and other parameters.
USGS well used to collect water level data
USGS well, located in the Point aux Chenes estuary near the marsh edge, used to collect water level data.
USGS well, located in the Point aux Chenes estuary near the marsh edge, used to collect water level data.
Point Aux Chenes scarped marsh shoreline in September 2021
Looking south along a Point Aux Chenes scarped low-marsh shoreline in September 2021
Looking south along a Point Aux Chenes scarped low-marsh shoreline in September 2021
Using personal watercraft to collect nearshore bathymetry data
A USGS scientist sits on a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with scientific equipment to collect bathymetry data - or the depth of the water - at locations of interest in Point Aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
A USGS scientist sits on a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with scientific equipment to collect bathymetry data - or the depth of the water - at locations of interest in Point Aux Chenes Bay, Mississippi.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh tile collection
Sediment tiles, used for short-term sedimentation rates, are collected in November 2019 from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh following a 3-month deployment; the sediment accumulated on the tile will be measured and analyzed for diatoms and sediment properties.
Sediment tiles, used for short-term sedimentation rates, are collected in November 2019 from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh following a 3-month deployment; the sediment accumulated on the tile will be measured and analyzed for diatoms and sediment properties.
Measuring tidal inundation in a marsh shoreline
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepares water level loggers to install near the marsh shoreline in Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepares water level loggers to install near the marsh shoreline in Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Joseph Terrano in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh
Joseph Terrano collects field notes in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh.
Joseph Terrano collects field notes in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi marsh.
USGS geologists study sediment exchange in estuary and marshes
Sediments in estuarine and marsh environments contain organic peat, or material derived from life, that plays an important role in ecosystem health. Here, USGS geologist Chris Smith of the St.
Sediments in estuarine and marsh environments contain organic peat, or material derived from life, that plays an important role in ecosystem health. Here, USGS geologist Chris Smith of the St.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh push core
A short marsh push core, exhibiting a sandy event layer on top, collected from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh during sample collection in October 2018 for sediment and radiochemical analyses.
A short marsh push core, exhibiting a sandy event layer on top, collected from Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh during sample collection in October 2018 for sediment and radiochemical analyses.
Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline
Looking south along the Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline during sample collection in October 2018; sediment probe located at the shoreline is used to assist in aligning sample collection along shore perpendicular transect.
Looking south along the Point aux Chênes, Mississippi marsh shoreline during sample collection in October 2018; sediment probe located at the shoreline is used to assist in aligning sample collection along shore perpendicular transect.
Collection of a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October 2018
Two USGS scientists collect a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October, 2018.
Two USGS scientists collect a marsh sediment push core in Grand Bay in October, 2018.
Calcareous estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida from Grand Bay
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous trochospiral estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida collected from Grand Bay estuary
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous trochospiral estuarine foraminifera Ammonia tepida collected from Grand Bay estuary
Agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti from Grand Bay
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti collected from Grand Bay.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated planispiral marsh foraminifera Haplophragmoides wilberti collected from Grand Bay.
Calcareous estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous planispiral estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum collected from Grand Bay estuary.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of calcareous planispiral estuarine foraminifera Cribroelphidium poeyanum collected from Grand Bay estuary.
Agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of agglutinated marsh foraminifera Entzia macrescens.
High tide along the marsh shoreline in Middle Bay
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide north of a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide north of a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
High tide along the marsh shoreline in Middle Bay
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide at a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Marsh shoreline inundation during high tide at a marsh sampling site around Middle Bay in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Bayou Heron boat ramp at sunrise in Grand Bay, Mississippi
Photograph of a purple sunrise at Bayou Heron boat ramp in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Photograph of a purple sunrise at Bayou Heron boat ramp in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi.
Collecting sediment samples in the marshes of Grand Bay
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center retrieves a sediment sample from under the marsh grass. Scientists installed several Net Sediment Tiles (NST) on the surface of the marsh to measure sediment deposition.
Joseph Terrano of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center retrieves a sediment sample from under the marsh grass. Scientists installed several Net Sediment Tiles (NST) on the surface of the marsh to measure sediment deposition.