Found along coastlines worldwide, tidal marshes are vital ecosystems that provide essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, habitat for diverse species, and coastal protection. A new study led by Beñat Eguidazu, ARIES PhD candidate and marine researcher at BC3, explores how these ecosystems are responding to rising sea levels. Published in Science of the Total Environment, this research presents innovative strategies for assessing tidal marsh resilience to sea level rise.
“We hybridize a process-based model and a machine learning algorithm to simulate future marsh distributions. The proposed model takes into account dynamic eco-geomorphic feedbacks between tidal flooding, sediment sources and vertical accretion as the system evolves. The methodology is customizable to other coastal and marine ecosystems, offering a broader application for environmental management and conservation strategies”.
Beñat Eguidazu de la Parte
The proposed methodology simulates future marsh distributions under varying conditions, such as rising sea levels and changes in sediment supply. By focusing on specific locations, including Spain’s Oka Estuary, Bay of Santander, and Cádiz Bay, the research highlights the importance of marsh migration capacity for long-term resilience.
This research advances the understanding of tidal marsh dynamics and offers a practical framework for protecting these vital ecosystems. To learn more about the study’s findings and how they can inform sustainable solutions we invite you to read the full paper.
