Nava Tabak, USA
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Nava Tabak, Scenic Hudson USA
xClimate Change xResilience xSea Level Rise xMarine xWetlands xRiver x2015Talk xTalk
2015 Conference Paper: Presentation -pdf Video -mp4
"Resilience, Migration & Conservation of Hudson River Tidal Wetlands"
Presenter: Nava Tabak, Scenic Hudson
SESSION: Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in Coastal/Marine Environments
ABSTRACT: "Rapid local sea level rise (SLR) along the Hudson River Estuary threatens one of the largest concentrations of freshwater tidal wetland along the United States Atlantic seaboard. We used GIS and the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) to predict future migrations and habitat changes in tidal wetlands along 160 miles of tidal river. While SLAMM is becoming a widely used tool in the assessment of saline and brackish coastal wetlands, we adapted the model to reflect the unique freshwater tidal conditions, SLR projections, habitat classifications, and data availability specific to our study area. By varying rates of SLR and wetland 
sediment accretion, we examined a range of possible future scenarios of coastal change and wetland persistence. Models showed the potential for both considerable wetland migration into upland areas and dramatic shifts in wetland composition. SLR rate was the strongest driver of model predictions, though at rapid SLR rates accretion rates will also be influential. We use the results to identify priority conservation areas, targeting currently undeveloped and unprotected uplands that are likely to host future tidal wetlands, as well as existing wetland complexes exhibiting high resilience under a range of possible future conditions. Our model results can also be used to identify restoration sites for increasing tidal wetland resilience."
