FACTORS INFLUENCING VASCULAR PLANT ZONATION IN NORTH CAROLINA SALTMARSHES
Abstract
This study was initiated with the objectives of describing the vegetation of North Carolina saltmarshes, the composition of saltmarsh communities, and the environmental conditions under which these communities exist; determining variations in environmental conditions and formulating levels of tolerance for the various saltmarsh species; and discovering evidence of past vegetational changes, thus making possible predictions of future changes. Properties of the soil solution were determined from samples collected at predetermined depths by plastic pipe wells. Nutrient solution experiments were conducted to determine the response of Spartina alterniflora, Distichlis spicata, Spartina patens, and Juncus roemerianus to various NaCl and Fe concentrations. Saltmarsh vegetation may be predicted to continue invading upland vegetation if relative sea level continues to rise. The lower edge of the saltmarsh may remain static, advance, or retreat depending on the relative rates of subsidence and alluvial deposition. Coastal dunes, the present barriers between saltmarsh and ocean, will continue to be driven landward over the marsh surface by an encroaching sea and wind deposition of sand. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0290938
Entities
People
- Arthur W. Cooper
- Ernest O. Beal
Organizations
- North Carolina State University