Physiographic Control on the Development of Spartina Marshes
Gerardo Fragoso1* and
Tom Spencer2
The established paradigm indicates that low-lying marsh production
is primarily regulated by submergence and the resulting edaphic
conditions. The physical sedimentary environment is in turn
deemed to affect production through its effect on marsh-surface
elevation relative to sea level. However, our results working
with Spartina anglica indicate that production and marsh perennation
are controlled by variation in surface level relative to the
plant's meristematic base and not hindered by prolonged submergence.
These findings suggest that plant responses to changes in sedimentary
conditions determine marsh development and survival in the short
term, independently of long-term changes in relative sea level.
2 Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EN, UK.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: gerardo.fragoso{at}unep-wcmc.org
