Sediment Exchange Between the Created Saltmarshes of Living Shorelines and Adjacent Submersed Aquatic Vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay

Rising sea levels and the increased frequency of extreme events put coastal communities at serious risk. In response, shoreline armoring for stabilization has been widespread. However, this solution does not take ecological aspects coasts into account. The “living shoreline” technique includes ecology by incorporating natural habitat features, such as saltmarshes, stabilization. impacts living shorelines on adjacent benthic communities, submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV), are yet clear. particular, while both marshes SAV trap sediment necessary their resilience to environmental change, synergies between well-understood. To help quantify protective (shoreline stabilization) shorelines, we presented modeling results using Delft3D-SWAN system transport created saltmarshes in a subestuary Chesapeake Bay. We used double numerical approach primarily validate deposition measurements made field further balance two an idealized model. This model same domain with different wave heights, periods, basin slopes presence rip-rap, which is often together marsh plantings look influences artificial structures exchange plant communities. study indicated lower shear stress, erosion rates, higher rates within bed compared scenario only, helped stabilize bottom sediments making positive case moderate climate (deposition vegetations than loss). rip-rap resulted balance, especially events, where was magnified. Overall, concluded that helps level shoreline, works better conditions, demonstrating how right combination built solutions can work well terms protection.