How Do Natural Marshes Differ from Living Shorelines?

Presenter

Sharvil Mahesh Khamankar

Group Members

Nisi Angelica Adames

Campus

Worcester State University

Sponsor

Nabin Malakar, Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics, Worcester State University

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A44, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

For our research, we compared the characteristics of a constructed living shoreline and a natural, degrading shoreline at The Great Bay Reserve, NH. We investigated four characteristics for both; carbon content, grain size, foraminifera, and mineralogy.  At the shorelines, we collected modern samples and sediment cores with Peat Corers from 3 different transects named A, B, and C. For modern samples, we took samples at 2 ft intervals starting from the upland and ending with the mudflat. After all samples were collected, we tested for the characteristics starting with carbon content by weighing each crucible, adding 1 cubic centimeter of sediment to each crucible, then reweighing them. Next, they were placed in an oven for 12 hours to dry, then burned at 550°C to remove all organic matter. To find grain size, our samples were first sieved, then put into a beaker with water. We used a BetterSizer machine to measure our samples and get the grain size. To find the foraminifera and mineralogy of our samples, we finely sieved our wet sample, then placed it in a flat plastic container with distilled water. Using the microscope, we counted all the forams and quartz per 0.2 cubic centimeter area. All non-quartz sand grains were considered “Lithics”. The results showed that natural marshes contain higher amounts of foraminifera, organic carbon, and a finer grain size than the restored marsh, possibly due to erosion over time. The natural marsh had a slightly higher fraction of organic matter, suggesting higher organic matter.

Keywords

Living Shoreline, Great Bay, Restored Marsh , Sediments

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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