Marshes And Sea Level Rise

Nathaniel Weston, a marine scientist at Villanova University, studies the impact of climate change and sea level rise on salt and freshwater marshes. Supported by the National Science Foundation, his research focuses on how these changes affect marsh ecosystems. Rising sea levels and reduced freshwater flow can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater marshes, impacting local flora and fauna. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts significant sea level rise by 2100. Weston's team conducts fieldwork to measure marsh elevation and sedimentation rates, while lab work helps understand landscape changes. The research highlights the increased vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme weather events and underscores the importance of healthy marshes as natural buffers and nurseries.

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