Forested wetland habitat

Abstract

Tidal freshwater forested wetlands are found along rivers at the uppermost extent of tidal influence whereas mangroves are found nearest the ocean in the lowermost portion of the intertidal zone. Both systems are regulated largely by hydrology. Tidal freshwater forested wetlands will not persist where average annual porewater salinity exceeds 2 g/L whereas mangroves can tolerate a wide range of salinities. However mangroves are intolerant to freezing the adaptations necessary for mangroves to survive in saline conditions often limit their growth rates ability to outcompete salt marsh species. Rising temperatures associated with climate change will likely expand the range of mangroves globally at the detriment of salt marsh species in some cases. Sea-level rise is forcing the migration of both forested wetland habitats. Both forested wetland types have done this successfully but levees other barriers (natural anthropogenic) will ultimately limit their expansion.