Trends in vegetation and height of the topographic surface in a tidal freshwater swamp experiencing rooting zone saltwater intrusion

A decrease in the ground surface height of coastal wetlands is of worldwide concern because of its relationship to peat loss, coastal carbon, and biodiversity in freshwater wetlands. We asked if it is possible to determine in-dicators of impending transitions of freshwater swamps to other coastal types by examining long-term changes in the environment and vegetation. In a tidal Taxodium distichum swamp in Hickory Point State Forest, Maryland, the topographic surface height (ground surface height) decreased by as much as 25.6 +/- 2.2 to 50.8 +/- 3.8 cm at two Surface Elevation Tables from 2015 to 2021 following salinity intrusion events related to hurricanes and offshore storms (e.g., Hurricane Melissa). In 2019, rooting zone salinity exceeded 5 ppt for >24.9 % of the time, with a maximum salinity level of 12.5 ppt. Tree growth of T. distichum trees declined and 60 % of these trees died along a 4 m wide x 125 m transect in 2014-2016. Root biomass and ground surface height decreased roughly in conjunction with a salinity pulse in the rooting zone during Hurricane Melissa in 2019. Saplings survived but T. distichum seedlings were uncommon and did not survive in the study area. Typha x glauca increased in cover (0.2 to 5.6 % cover plot-1) from 2014 to 2016 so a vegetation shift toward T. x glauca was apparent by 2021. This work captures a multi-year trend of decreasing ground surface height, tree growth and health, and fresh-water status in the rooting zone that may be an indicator of impending vegetation transition.

Automated summary

The decrease in ground surface height of coastal wetlands is a global concern due to its impact on peat loss, coastal carbon, and freshwater wetland biodiversity. This study investigates the possibility of using long-term changes in the environment and vegetation as indicators for impending transitions of freshwater swamps to other coastal types.