Sedimentation Rates in a Coastal Marsh Determined from Historical Records

Abstract

Historical records indicate that Flax Pond, a smallSpartina alterniflora marsh located on the north shore of Long Island, New York, was opened to marine waters in 1803. This opening is recorded in the sediments by a sharp transition from sedge (brackish or fresh water) peat toSpartina (salt marsh) peat. This dated horizon was used to calculate an average net rate of vertical accretion of 2.5 mm/yr and a maximum net rate of 4.7 mm/yr. These estimates may serve to predict the rate at whichSpartina marshes are able to recover from physical disturbance. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A00BY066 00002