Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Sea Level-Driven Marsh Migration Results In Rapid Net Loss Of Carbon, Alexander J. Smith, Matthew L. Kirwan

VIMS Articles

Sea level rise alters coastal carbon cycling by driving the rapid migration of coastal ecosystems, salinization of freshwater systems, and replacement of terrestrial forests with tidal wetlands. Wetland soils accumulate carbon (C) at faster rates than terrestrial soils, implying that sea level rise may lead to enhanced carbon accumulation. Here, we show that carbon stored in tree biomass greatly exceeds carbon stored in adjacent marsh soils so that marsh migration reduces total carbon stocks by 50% in less than 100years. Continued marsh soil carbon accumulation may eventually offset forest carbon loss, but we estimate that the time for replacement is …