Author(s): Zheng Gong; Huan Li; Changkuan Zhang; Chuang Jin; Pei Xin; Qian Zhang
Linked Author(s): Zheng Gong, Changkuan Zhang
Keywords: Surface Elevation table; Salt marsh; Subsurface process; Tidal flat; Jiangsu coast
Abstract: Considering specific situations of Jiangsu tidal flats, the Surface Elevation Table (SET) originally developed by United States Geological Survey was improved. A field investigation was carried out during September 2012 to April 2013 in supra-tidal zone and inter-tidal zone over the tidal flats in the central Jiangsu coast, where ten observation stations were built. Marker horizons were established around a benchmark in supra-tidal zone. By monthly and fortnight tide cycle measurements of soil surface elevation and sediment thickness on marker horizons, the deposition-erosion rate of tidal flats, i. e. soil surface processes, and subsurface processes involving soil compaction/expansion and growth/ decomposition of salt marsh roots were analyzed. It shows that monthly changes of soil surface and subsurface processes are comparable in an order of millimeters in supra-tidal zone. However, the monthly variations of surface processes are in an order of centimeters, and the subsurface processes induced by salt marsh are neglectable in the intertidal zone.
Year: 2013