Drainage Efficiency and Geometric Nuances of Tidal Channel Network Mediate Spartina alterniflora Landward Invasion in Marsh-Channel System

As an aggressive invasive salt marsh plant, Spartina alterniflora has been found to invade along tidal channel networks and threaten native ecosystems. Previous studies have established patterning correlations between S. invasion functions (drainage efficiency). However, a systematic analysis of in relation functional geometric features is still lacking. In this study, we extracted from remote sensing images the Yellow River Delta, China, performed numerical experiments examine patterns with varying drainage efficiency nuances. An existing vegetation dynamics model was adapted incorporate hydrochorous seed dispersal salinity buffer zone as primary mechanisms channels facilitate colonization further coupled Delft3D. We analyzed correlation simulated area comprehensive set metrics across different spatial scales. Our results confirmed that watersheds higher (larger density ( TCD ) GE ), smaller overmarsh path length OPL )) attained larger area. Given similar efficiency, greater mean bifurcation ratio enhanced invasion. On local scale, order dictated (spatially-varying o influenced The observed were verified principle by two real cases Delta. Finally, viewing efficacy all tested considering their computational costs, proposed holistic metric framework consisting global including spatially-varying , assess how network mediates particular expansion general marsh-channel systems.