The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution
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Abstract
A coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport model (Delft3D) was used to simulate the water levels, waves, and currents associated with a seagrass (Zostera marina) landscape along a 4-km stretch of coast in Puget Sound, WA, USA. A hydroacoustic survey of seagrass percent cover and nearshore bathymetry was conducted, and sediment grain size was sampled at 53 locations. Wave energy is a primary factor controlling seagrass distribution at the site, accounting for 73% of the variability in seagrass minimum depth and 86% of the variability in percent cover along the shallow, sandy portions of the coast. A combination of numerical simulations and a conceptual model of the effect of sea-level rise on the cross-shore distribution of seagrass indicates that the area of seagrass habitat may initially increase and that wave dynamics are an important factor to consider in predicting the effect of sea-level rise on seagrass distributions in wave-exposed areas.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution |
| Series title | Estuaries and Coasts |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12237-011-9435-1 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer-Verlag |
| Contributing office(s) | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |
| Description | 17 p. |
| First page | 92 |
| Last page | 108 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Other Geospatial | Puget Sound |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |