Description
This dataset contains information collected by the Fowl River Marsh Health and Recovery Study: Stable isotope and anthropogenic influences component. Records include nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) content in sediment core samples, surface sediment samples, and particles suspended in the water (SPM) collected in and around four priority marsh spits identified in the Fowl River Watershed Management Plan and at one downstream reference site. Sediments and filters (SPM) were analyzed by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry at the U. C. Davis Stable Isotope Facility, yielding N and C stable isotope ratios and % N and C content in the samples.
Purpose
In 2015 and 2016, a comprehensive watershed management plan was developed for the Fowl River Watershed, with degraded marshes and spits identified as a top priority. The Fowl River Marsh Health and Recovery Study was established to inform how to best effect marsh health and guide future restoration activities in the Fowl River Watershed. To determine if changes in Fowl River marsh structure or function may be related to changes in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) sources associated with anthropogenic influences or variation in sea level through time, we measured N and C content in sediment core samples, surface sediment samples, and particles suspended in the water (SPM). Stable isotope data can be aligned with geologic data, including elemental dating outputs, to determine changes through time relative to land use and marsh area to help define sources and mechanisms of marsh loss.
DOI: 10.25921/878s-qy21
Suggested Citation
Carmichael, Ruth H.; Hieb, Elizabeth; Hill, Deryn (2019). Fowl River, Alabama Marsh Restoration Study: Stable isotope and anthropogenic influences component (NCEI Accession 0195411). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/878s-qy21. Accessed [date].
