U. Delaware studying tidal flow, sediment movement in salt marshes

By on April 24, 2013
Jack Puleo and graduate student Aline Pieterse conduct research in the Brockonbridge Marsh. (Credit: University of Delaware)


University of Delaware scientists are studying the impacts that rising sea levels might have on marsh ecosystems in the future, the University of Delaware has reported.

Scientists predict that rising sea levels could convert marshes into intertidal flats. These conversions could drastically change land composition by stripping sediment from the land, which could alter water quality by exposing substantial quantities of sequestered carbon and pollutants.

Researchers are monitoring the fluctuations of water flow and sediment concentrations in Delaware’s Brockonbridge Marsh. Using an innovative monitoring system equipped with thermal infrared sensors, researchers are monitoring water’s movement within the marsh to understand the potential impacts of increased water flow in order to prevent negative effects on marshes in the future.

Image: Jack Puleo and graduate student Aline Pieterse conduct research in the Brockonbridge Marsh. (Credit: University of Delaware)

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