Survival of the thickest? Impacts of extreme wave?forcing on marsh seedlings are mediated by species morphology

Although tidal marshes are known for their coastal defense function during storm surges, the impact of extreme wave forcing on marsh development is poorly understood. Seedling survival in first season after germination, which may involve exposure to events, crucial natural establishment and human restoration marshes. We hypothesize that species-specific plant traits plays a significant role seedlings response induced stress, i.e., through stem bending uprooting. To test this hypothesis, pioneer species (Bolboschoenus maritimus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Spartina anglica, Puccinellia maritima) with contrasting biophysical were placed Large Wave Flume Hannover (Germany) exposed conditions. Seedlings P. maritima S. anglica experienced lower loss rate angle compared tabernaemontani especially B. maritimus. The higher rates maritimus result from deeper scouring around base. Scouring depth was larger stems greater diameter resistance bending. Here, have both thicker stiffer than maritima. Our results show suffer erosion scouring, highest risk being lost events. This implies successful seedling eventually mature vegetation, composition capacity cope disturbances crucial.