An Integration of Numerical Modeling and Paleoenvironmental Analysis Reveals the Effects of Embankment Construction on Long‐Term Salt Marsh Accretion

There are still numerous uncertainties over the influence of anthropogenic interventions on salt marsh dynamics. This study uses Ribble Estuary as a test case and an integrated approach numerical modeling paleoenvironmental analysis to investigate contribution embankment construction long-term accretion. Accretion rates derived using optically stimulated luminescence dating (OSL) were combined with multi-proxy investigation sediment cores extracted from marsh, mobile seafloor central Irish Sea river catchment area. These analyses provided first evolutionary perspective preceding any management interventions. The then compared simulations conducted hydrodynamic model Delft3D effects estuarine hydrodynamics morphodynamics period constrained by OSL. showed that embankments responsible for overall intensification ebb currents in system which promoted export. has been accreting at rate 4.61 0.86 cm yr−1 last ca. 190 years high sedimentation was caused naturally supply. model-data integration transport did not compromise resilience because supply dredging enhanced flood dominance tide near tidal flat.