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Marsh submergence vs. marsh accretion: Interpreting accretion deficit data in coastal Louisiana

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Abstract

The apparent imbalance between relative sea-level rise and vertical marsh accretion is frequently cited as a major factor in the problem of wetland loss in Louisiana. Rates of relative sea-level rise are high in Louisiana due to high rates of subsidence. Although marsh accretion rates are also high, they are usually insufficient to maintain the relative elevation of the marsh surface. This situation is commonly referred to as an accretion deficit. The interpretation of subsidence and accretion data, and therefrom accretion deficit data, is confounded by the numerous geologic, biologic, and sedimentologic processes influencing coastal marshes in Louisiana. Therefore, calculation of accretion deficits can be influenced by the techniques used to measure subsidence and accretion. The concept of accretion deficit is based on the assumption that accretion rates are equivalent to elevation change rates, but this assumption may not necessarily be correct. We suggest that direct measurements of elevation change in marsh surface can provide better indications of the status of the marsh surface with respect to subsidence and accretion.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Marsh submergence vs. marsh accretion: Interpreting accretion deficit data in coastal Louisiana
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher American Society of Civil Engineers
Contributing office(s) National Wetlands Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Coastal zone '93: Proceedings of the eighth symposium on coastal and ocean management
First page 243
Last page 257
Conference Title Coastal zone '93: Eighth Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management,
Conference Location New Orleans, LA
Conference Date Jul 19-23, 1993
Country United States
State Louisiana
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