1. Rande Kamolz Tyler Huntley GEOG 4401/5401 Soils Geography Fall 2007 – Univ of Colorado, Boulder

2. Introduction Coastal and estuarine are the interface between the land and sea. Made from the constant deposition of sediments. Fresh water meets saltwater both on the surface and in groundwater.

3. Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research

4. Study Sites Began operation in 1987 Primary study sites are located on Hog Island, Parramore Island and mainland marshes near Nassawadox, Virginia at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay

5. Study Sites Long history of European visitation dating back to 1600’s Sea level has risen 35cm in the past century 60-90% of the barrier island uplands has been deposited since the late 1800s

6. VCR - LTER Main research focus are the relationships between the changing elevations of the land, sea, and fresh-water table. Human and natural causes of change

7. The only constant is change There is a steady shifting of material and coastlines

8. Factors affecting materials Frequent storms Tides Winds VCR Parent material Soil moisture content/saturation Salinity

9. Consequences Very low relief Difficult environment for plants to anchor Most prevalent flora is hardy, salt and disturbance tolerant grasses and brush

10. Comparison to Plum Island Warmer climate Very unlikely to get icy winter storms More likely for stronger storms coming from the south Similar sea level relationship research PIE focuses more on anthropogenic influences on the watersheds Much more densely populated area

11. Plum Island Estuary Watersheds Ipswich Parker Rowley Smooth cordgrass Marsh hay Cattails Productive fisheries

13. Consequences for Estuary Water cycling, N Cycling Potential marsh loss  Estuarine productivity Loss of biodiversity Food web structure Runoff

14. Human Impact Population Growth Development of Coast areas Municipal Water needs Abandonment of farming  reforestation  decrease of sediment loads

15. Natural Phenomena Sea Level Rising Climate warming Decrease peat accumulation Loss of habitat Storms Increase

17. Protection Ipswich River 10 most threatened Rivers in US Urbanization Low flow - Conservation land - Wildlife Refuge