Ecology of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands of the Southeastern United States

Description

Tidal freshwater forested wetlands are unique wetland systems. Occupying low relief coastal areas which are subject to both upland runoff and tidal flooding, these systems are especially vulnerable to pressure from human development and to climate change impacts of sea-level rise and increased drought/flood frequency. Yet to date the ecological dynamics, distribution, and conservation status of these communities is poorly understood. This book draws together the latest findings from investigators focusing on the hydrological processes, community organization, and stress physiology of freshwater, tidally influenced land-margin forests of the southeastern United States. It describes the land use history that led to the restricted distribution of these wetlands, and provides descriptions of the hydrology, soils, biogeochemistry, and physiological ecology of these systems, highlighting the similarities shared among tidal freshwater forested wetlands. Including case studies from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, Ecology of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands of the Southeastern United States will be an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers and students interested in understanding the complex dynamics of this unique coastal ecosystem; one that has been altered by land-use history and which is now undergoing decline due to changing climate, sea-level rise and hurricanes. In particular, it provides current knowledge on those biological, geological, hydrological and physical forcing factors that may influence the possible alternatives and likely success of coastal restoration projects for these vulnerable ecosystems.