MassMarsh Standard Operating Procedure Salt Marsh Accretion and Elevation Monitoring

Salt marshes exist within a narrow range of physical settings limited to sheltered coastal environments with adequate sediment supply and vertically bounded by the local tidal frame. Thus, the persistence of coastal wetlands relies on their ability to accrete sediment vertically and maintain their elevation relative to sea level through a combination of biophysical processes closely related to tidal hydrology. Because of the fundamental link between marsh surface elevation and local sea level, measuring and monitoring both marsh surface elevation and vertical accretion are important metrics for evaluating current marsh status, defining trajectories, and monitoring the efficacy of marsh restoration projects.

To assist in monitoring this important indicator of salt marsh vulnerability, MassMarsh established a standard set of procedures for state wide monitoring of both vertical accretion and surface elevation as indicators of marsh condition and processes. The elevation SOP outlining procedures for surface elevation table–marker horizon and high precision survey methods (RTK GPS or total station) methodologies.