The Atlas of the Coastal Marshlands is a reference document describing shoreline ecosystems, geomorphology, and conservation practices across major delta regions. It combines historical charting with present-day fieldwork to outline habitats, pressures, and restoration strategies.1

Aerial view of marshland with winding channels
Low-tide channels exposing sediment ridges along a coastal marsh edge.

Overview§

The atlas focuses on three dimensions: landscape form, living communities, and human interaction. It provides definitions, terminology, and a typology that groups marsh units by elevation, salinity, and vegetation structure.

At a glance: marsh platforms persist when vertical accretion rates meet or exceed relative sea-level rise. Measurements are commonly collected using surface elevation tables and marker horizons.

History§

Early Surveys§

Coastal charting began with tide-staff readings and plane-table mapping. These early efforts documented shorelines but rarely distinguished marsh classes beyond generic wetlands.

“The boundary between water and land is not a line but a zone.”

Modern Era§

Remote sensing unlocked consistent, area-wide measurements. Multispectral imagery separates Schoenoplectus, Spartina, and open water, while lidar provides canopy height and microtopography.

Geography§

Deltaic marshes lie along subsiding coastal plains. Tide range, sediment supply, and storm frequency govern the mosaic from salt meadows to brackish ponds.

Map-like aerial of a delta fan with distributary channels
Distributary network forming a classic delta fan morphology.

Biodiversity§

Edge habitat supports higher species richness due to ecotone effects. Wading birds, crabs, and marsh grasses anchor the food web across elevation bands.

Close-up of cordgrass along a tidal creek Shorebird flock lifting from a mudflat Marsh ribbon of green bordering open water
Representative habitats sampled across salinity gradients.

Management§

Management approaches prioritize sediment delivery, hydrologic reconnection, and invasive species control. Project selection balances ecological lift, social value, and cost.

Priority index = 0.5×HabitatGain + 0.3×CommunityBenefit + 0.2×Feasibility
Sunset gradient over wetland silhouettes
Evening gradient over shoreline vegetation and shallow lagoons.

Data Table§

UnitSalinityElevation (m NAVD88)Dominant Vegetation
Salt Meadow A30–35 PSU0.45Spartina alterniflora
Brackish Flat B5–15 PSU0.30Schoenoplectus americanus
Fresh Platform C<1 PSU0.55Panicum hemitomon

References§

  1. Regional Marsh Monitoring Program, Annual Report. Retrieved from field notes and compiled datasets.
  2. Coastal Restoration Handbook, 3rd Ed.
  3. Remote Sensing in Wetland Ecology, Journal Series.