Recent research published in the journal Earth’s Future reveals that some salt marshes along the U.S. East Coast have been able to build elevation in response to rising sea levels, while others have struggled to keep pace. This study is the first to systematically assess wetland growth rates from Maine to Georgia, utilizing over a century’s worth of soil core data from nine marshes. Findings indicate that while all marshes increased their soil accretion, only six matched the rate of local sea level rise. Marshes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia faced challenges due to rapid sea level rise, limited sediment supply from upstream damming, and warmer temperatures. The research underscores a critical tipping point; if sea levels rise too quickly, marshes cannot sustain their growth. Experts emphasize the need for strategies like “living shorelines” and temporary measures such as slurry applications to enhance sediment retention. While some marshes might be currently adapting, the overarching concern is that when thresholds are exceeded, inundation of wetlands will become inevitable, with some areas, such as the Mississippi Delta, already experiencing this decline. Overall, slowing sea level rise is crucial, but such efforts are complex and may not yield immediate benefits.
