Mangrove sedimentation and response to relative sea-level rise

Annual Review of Marine Science
By: , and 

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Abstract

Mangroves occur on upper intertidal shorelines in the tropics and subtropics. Complex hydrodynamic and salinity conditions influence mangrove distributions, primarily related to elevation and hydroperiod; this review considers how these adjust through time. Accumulation rates of allochthonous and autochthonous sediment, both inorganic and organic, vary between and within different settings. Abundant terrigenous sediment can form dynamic mudbanks; tides redistribute sediment, contrasting with mangrove peat in sediment-starved carbonate settings. Sediments underlying mangroves sequester carbon, but also contain paleoenvironmental records of adjustments to past sea-level changes. Radiometric dating indicates long-term sedimentation, whereas Surface Elevation Table-Marker Horizon measurements (SET-MH) provide shorter perspectives, indicating shallow subsurface processes of root growth and substrate autocompaction. Many tropical deltas also experience deep subsidence, which augments relative sea-level rise. The persistence of mangroves implies an ability to cope with moderately high rates of relative sea-level rise. However, many human pressures threaten mangroves, resulting in continuing decline in their extent throughout the tropics.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mangrove sedimentation and response to relative sea-level rise
Series title Annual Review of Marine Science
DOI 10.1146/annurev-marine-122414-034025
Volume 8
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher Annual Reviews
Publisher location Palo Alto, CA
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 24 p.
First page 243
Last page 266
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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