Climate and anthropogenic controls on blue carbon sequestration in Hudson River tidal marsh, Piermont, New York

Abstract

Tidal marshes globally are experiencing erosion with sea level rise. In order to adaptively plan for essential marsh preservation, we recognize the importance of the investigation of marsh archives for the perspective they provide toward resilience. Our objective in this study is to examine the relationship of tidal marsh carbon sequestration with both climate change and human impact throughout past centuries and millennia. A Hudson River marsh sediment core spanning the last 2000 years is analyzed for bulk loss on ignition (LOI), bulk density, sedimentation rate, carbon (C) and mineral flux, and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis including lead, copper, titanium and potassium. We compare this record to previously established pollen and spore stratigraphy from the same site, along with an extensive macrofossil based AMS 14 C chronology based upon both cores. Carbon accumulation generally follows sediment accumulation rates, which were higher than 200 g C m −2 yr −1 prior to 1500 years ago. Declines in carbon storage rate during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) are linked to drought, fire, and charcoal, while lesser declines during the Little Ice Age (LIA) are linked to cooling and a shorter growing season. Subsequent human impact with marsh haying practices also led to carbon accumulation rate decline to 100 g C m −2 yr −1 . Increases in C sequestration rates in recent decades may be attributable to nitrogen pollution of the estuary, invasive plants, and/or increased flooding, but the lack of mineral sediment threatens their stability. Ecosystem function is declining with the loss of foundational species, and the crisis is deepening for preservation of this habitat. We strongly recommend strategies for minimizing marsh loss.

Assessing Potential Climatic and Human Pressures in Indonesian Coastal Ecosystems Using a Spatial Data-Driven Approach

“…The analysis of climate effects can apply various methods, such as the data interpolating empirical orthogonal functions [108] and fixed rank kriging [109] to fill the gaps in the chlorophyll-a and SST data occurring due to cloud cover. In addition, several other climatic phenomena, such as typhoons [110], storms [111,112], heat waves [113], and droughts [114] have been reported to significantly affect the blue carbon ecosystems; thus, these climatic events should be comprehensively studied. Additionally, physiochemical parameters, such as salinity [115][116][117], total suspended solids [118], and colored dissolved organic matter [119], that can be extracted through remote sensing can be used to build more complex and comprehensive models.…”

Recarbonizing global soils – A technical manual of recommended management practices

“…The objective of this study is to examine the effects of short and long-term climate and anthropic controls on the different types of carbon sequestration in urban tidal marshes. Coastal wetlands which include coastal and riverine marshes, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and tidal wetlands are known as "blue carbon" wetlands (Peteet et al, 2020). Although these ecosystems are small in area, they are among the world's largest carbon sinks per unit area because of their continuous carbon influx (Chmura et al, 2003;Bridgham et al, 2006).…”

“…Determining the amount of C sequestered and methods to increase accumulation of C within urban coastal ecosystems will enable coastal communities to develop adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies to combat the impacts of global climate change. Climate adaptation plans should include (Peteet et al, 2020;Haight et al, 2019;NYC Parks, 2018) :…”

“…The practices used in this study can be scaled-up and used in many urban settings along coastal waterways, riverine locales, lakes, and reservoirs. The most effective and practical methods of preserving and restoring coastal marsh functions and extent will depend on geographical locations and site specific requirements, but the general recommendation of practices include 1) marsh restoration through thin mineral layer placement and buildout into unvegetated intertidal zones where appropriate, 2) potential dam removal to enhance sedimentation rates, 3) enhanced mitigation of reactive nitrogen inputs and other pollutants, and 4) conservation of proposed locales for planned marsh mitigation inland (Peteet et al, 2020;Peteet et al, 2018;Bulesco et al, 2019;Haight et al, 2019, NYC Parks, 2018, Davis et al, 2017.…”

“…For this study, field data collection and laboratory experiments were carried out in Piermont Marsh located along the Hudson River, upriver from New York City. A 13.7 m sediment core was extracted from the northern portion of Piermont Marsh using a modified Livingston piston corer and an additional core was retrieved using a Dachnowski side-opening corer (Peteet et al, 2020;Photo 70 and Photo 71). Carbon dating was conducted in previous studies using a 1 m and 15 m core (Peteet et al, 2018).…”