The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution

Andrew W. Stevens; Jessica R. Lacy

doi:10.1007/s12237-011-9435-1

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The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution

Andrew W. Stevens·Jessica R. Lacy

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Abstract

A coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport model (Delft3D) was used to simulate the water levels, waves, and currents associated with a seagrass ( Zostera marina ) landscape along a 4-km stretch of coast in Puget Sound, WA, USA. A hydroacoustic survey of seagrass percent cover and nearshore bathymetry was conducted, and sediment grain size was sampled at 53 locations. Wave energy is a primary factor controlling seagrass distribution at the site, accounting for 73% of the variability in seagrass minimum depth and 86% of the variability in percent cover along the shallow, sandy portions of the coast. A combination of numerical simulations and a conceptual model of the effect of sea-level rise on the cross-shore distribution of seagrass indicates that the area of seagrass habitat may initially increase and that wave dynamics are an important factor to consider in predicting the effect of sea-level rise on seagrass distributions in wave-exposed areas.

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Estuaries and Coasts Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 47.63809698933633° to 47.938426929481054° latitude; -122.46665954589844° to -122.33413696289064° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

Andrew W. Stevens, Jessica R. Lacy. 2011-09-02. The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-011-9435-1

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