AUTHOR=Fagherazzi Sergio , Anisfeld Shimon C. , Blum Linda K. , Long Emily V. , Feagin Rusty A. , Fernandes Arnold , Kearney William S. , Williams Kimberlyn 

TITLE=Sea Level Rise and the Dynamics of the Marsh-Upland Boundary

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Environmental Science

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2019.00025

DOI=10.3389/fenvs.2019.00025

ISSN=2296-665X

ABSTRACT=<p>During sea level rise, salt marshes transgress inland invading low-lying forests, agricultural fields, and suburban areas. This transgression is a complex process regulated by infrequent storms that flood upland ecosystems increasing soil salinity. As a result upland vegetation is replaced by halophyte marsh plants. Here we present a review of the main processes and feedbacks regulating the transition from upland ecosystems to salt marshes. The goal is to provide a process-based framework that enables the development of quantitative models for the dynamics of the marsh-upland boundary. Particular emphasis is given to the concept of ecological ratchet, combining the press disturbance of sea level rise with the pulse disturbance of storms.</p>