Temporal and Spatial Changes in the Material Exchange Function of Coastal Intertidal Wetland—A Case Study of Yancheng Intertidal Wetland

Abstract

As a transition zone between the terrestrial ecosystem and the marine ecosystem, coastal intertidal wetland provides an important place for material circulation and energy exchange, and it is nature’s most precious resource. The ecological health of intertidal wetlands is an important prerequisite for sustainable green development. The material exchange function objectively and accurately reflects the material balance and ecological health of intertidal wetlands in the coastal zone. This paper uses remote sensing, geographic information technology, and model methods to objectively and accurately assess the temporal and spatial changes in the material exchange function of intertidal wetlands, providing a feasible method for studying the material exchange function of coastal wetlands. The material exchange capacity of wetlands in intertidal zones is affected by many factors, such as vegetation, topography, and base soil. After the invasion of the alien species Spartina alterniflora Lois., the elevation of the Suaeda salsa beach increased by 0.3 m. The elevation of the Phragmites australis beach rose by 0.14 m. The average elevation of S. alterniflora increased by 1.24 m. The material exchange capacity of the intertidal zone decreased by 25%. The functioning of the material exchange between sea and land changed significantly, and the area with a high level of material exchange function capacity was reduced by 71%.