Marsh Dieback Groundwater Interactions. Drs. Jacque Kelly and Christine Hladik study linkages between salt marsh dieback, groundwater, and elevation gradients. Marsh dieback associated with drought is a long-term concern in the face of climate change and projected estimates of sea level rise, as dieback results in the complete removal of vegetation, reducing soil elevations, making plants susceptible to flooding, salinity stress, and habitat shifts. This is further complicated by salinization of coastal aquifers from sea level rise.

Research Plan for REU Participant: Students will design and execute projects assessing either (1) the chemistry of shallow, coastal plain groundwater, (2) the dynamic nature of the freshwater/saltwater groundwater lens, (3) the connection between groundwater and salt marshes, (4) characterizing and monitoring of vegetation and soils in dieback locations, or (5) high resolution mapping of dieback extent and ground elevation. Students will gain practical field and laboratory experience when they learn how to (1) draw groundwater from shallow aquifers, (2) analyze isotopic signatures of groundwater, (3) conduct electrical resistivity surveys of shallow aquifers, (4) identify, quantify, and analyze salt marsh vegetation, (5) collect and analyze soil characteristics, (5) collect, process, and analyze real time kinematic elevation data, and (6) map and analyze salt marsh vegetation spatial patterns.