The primary objective of this project is to apply paleoecologic techniques to interpret the Holocene ecosystem history of the estuaries of the Everglades Ecosystem. Faunal and floral information from sediment cores collected in the estuaries provides estimates of the past salinity. These data are used by resource managers (specifically the Southern Coastal Systems Sub-team (SCS) of the Regional Evaluation Team of RECOVER) to establish target salinity values and performance measures for restoration of the estuaries and coastal ecosystems. In addition, these paleosalinity estimates are used in statistical models to estimate the freshwater stage and flow in the wetlands prior to water management alterations. contact: G. Lynn Wingard
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This project addresses the questions of rates and impacts of sea level rise on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) by utilizing paleoecologic tools and salinity models to examine changes to the Greater Everglades Ecosystem over the past 500–3000 years. Historical rates of change are compared to potential sea level rise conditions under different IPCC climate change scenarios. The relationship between sea level, salinity, habitats and biota will be examined, and ecologic indicators of sea level rise will be identified. The project also examines the sedimentary indicators of storm history and the impacts of storms on the estuarine environment. contact: G. Lynn Wingard
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey